Book excerpt: A world view like no other! For more than four decades, the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, has provided the most comprehensive resource to 20th century coins on the market. Backed by a worldwide network of numismatic experts and the most authoritative coin database in the world, the tradition of excellence continues with this 42nd edition. Massive in size and striking in scope and detail, this highly respected reference offers invaluable information to the beginning or serious collector, researcher, academician, or coin dealer. Like the world it reflects, the Standard Catalog is ever-changing. For the first time it provides numeric grades for all coin types, as well as values for up to three conditions of proof quality, including PF63 and PF65. As always, the catalog is organized by country, with each listing providing: Up-to-date values listed by date, mintmark and grade Globally accepted KM reference numbers Clear descriptions of a coin's design features In addition, coins minted in silver, gold, platinum and palladium offer information for charting a course in the turbulent precious metals market: Total coin weight Fineness Actual precious metal weight With coin values heading in all directions as the collectible coin market settles into its next phase, this may be the most important edition of the Standard Catalog of World Coins to come along in years. Add it to your library and collect with confidence.