Valentine

Started by Figleaf, February 17, 2008, 01:39:18 PM

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Figleaf

In his last list (#107), Al Gammon offers two books of the legendary W. H. Valentine. Both Copper coins of India and Copper coins of the Muhammadan states are sold for $2.95  :o

Though these books are now old, they are a source of joy with their fine drawings and extensive translations and a must-have for anyone collecting these coins.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

translateltd

I ordered a first edition of Valentine from the UK a couple of years ago, but got a much newer reprint (1977??) instead - both items were side-by-side in the sales list.  I figured it was easier to take a refund of the difference in price than to send it back and get the correct one sent out, more's the pity.

It's a book I've wanted to read since I first heard of it over 30 years ago, though I'll confess I still haven't done so!

Martin
NZ

Figleaf

Was that Copper coins of India? In that case, the first edition is priceless, consisting of four handwritten copies. AFAIK the first reprint was issued in 1914 by Spink, with a second reprint in 1971, again by Spink. It's not really a book for reading, but rather for browsing. Oesho told me that there are still coins that Valentine described and that have not been found again.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

translateltd

Copper Coins of the Muhammadan States - a 1977 impression of the 1969 photoreprint of the 1911 original.  The 1911 original would have been nice, as I say, but I'm happy to make do.

Figleaf

I am very fond of Valentine. He was an autodidact who started with a few Indian coins found while at work. British Museum staff couldn't identify all and pointed him to the library. He ended up reading and writing several languages and scripts and as an expert on Indian coppers. He literally wrote and drew to first edition ( 4 copies) of his book as he didn't know how he could have it printed. The British Museum bought a large part of his collection when he'd died.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

Bimat

#5
I happened to notice this :

http://www.lppindia.com/servlet/lppgetbiblio?bno=000009

A very good offer just for INR 148 (~$3.3), free shipping (registered airmail) anywhere in the world.

Someone may find it useful. :)

Aditya
It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. -J. K. Rowling.

Figleaf

When I follow that link I get a price of $11 and no price in INR. Even $11 is a great price for this fantastic book.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

Coinsforever

Useful link for books & location is hardly 20 minutes drive from my residence.


Cheers ;D
Every experience, good or bad, is a priceless collector's item.



http://knowledge-numismatics.blogspot.in/

Bimat

The link is still showing price as INR 148. May be $11 is the price for overseas collectors. Anyway, if any member of this forum wants a copy of it, I'd be happy to order it for him/her. :) Postage cost will be extra (in case you are buying) but still total cost will not exceed $11. 8)

Aditya
It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. -J. K. Rowling.