Coin Auction and Investment Guide: Antiques Guide, Series 2 was compiled by Zhao Ruzhen, son-in-law of Yu Jimen, a renowned antiques collector and the former junior vice president of the Court of Judicial Review in the late Qing dynasty, and proprietor of Cuizhenzhai in Beijing's Liulichang district. Zhao was not only a highly accomplished collector, but also devoted himself to archaeology. His knowledge of antiques was extensive, and he was well versed in every trade secret and specialist technique.
Since its publication in 1942, Coin Auction and Investment Guide: Antiques Guide, Series 2 has been an essential reference for Chinese antiques enthusiasts collecting, appreciating, identifying, and investing in antiques. It has withstood more than six decades of scrutiny by four generations of collectors and remains authoritative, earning a reputation as the "Shuowen Jiezi of antiques." It brings together a wealth of secrets about identifying antiques, detecting fakes, and making reproductions. No comparable book can replace it, and few come close.
This hardcover edition reproduces the complete text of the original work. Leading Chinese language experts have carefully edited and translated the classical Chinese into vernacular Chinese for modern readers. It also features 50 rare and important ancient coins from museum collections, along with rubbings to help readers examine and compare them in detail. In addition, 50 archival images from the Imperial Compilation of the Qinding Siku Quanshu, Zi Bu: Qinding Qian Lu are included. This work was written by Jiang Pu, Minister and Junior Guardian to the Crown Prince, under imperial commission, and carefully reviewed by He Sijun, Hu Shizhen, and others. It is a valuable reference for tracing the origins of ancient coins. These images help readers follow the evidence back to its source, making investment easier and more informed.
The book also presents 484 of the most popular auction lots, with listed prices for investors to use as bidding references. It offers both aesthetic and practical value, making it a delight for collectors and enthusiasts. Comprehensive, precise information on auction lots covers key elements of the ancient coin market, including popular coins, their dates, forms, and prices. This is an essential guide to auctions, bidding, and investment in ancient coins, gold and silver ingots, and both ancient and modern machine-struck coins. It is also a powerful market reference for anyone involved in coin and numismatic art auctions.
This "Guide to Investing in Ancient Coin Auctions" is great! For people like me who are interested in ancient coins, it is simply a treasure book. The author Zhao Ruzhen is really amazing. The content in the book is both professional and easy to understand, just like a knowledgeable friend chatting with you. Moreover, this book also has many precious pictures and historical materials, which opened my eyes. It feels like the "Shuowen Jiezi" in the antique world, and is a must-have reference book for antique lovers! I think it is somewhat similar to "Ma Weidu's Collection", both are good books that can make people gain knowledge.