It seeems to me every author has taken a slightly different approach. A true collector would wish to be privy to all sources of reference. What is the cost of all catalogues available? I would estimate in the range of $200. What do you spend on strikes per year? This is a tiny percentage of the total outlay in some cases for one or more $10 strikes and definitely one $200 strike.

What is the purpose of a catalogue? To identify a strike and establish value. The first is rather easy be it picture or the written word. The second is quite difficult. Prices fluctuate wildly and in reality every transaction is unique. Also the strike collecting market is tiny compared to almost every other form of collecting so there is no basis for an average. The outlets are limited being primarily restricted to two online auction houses. Private transactions of course can't be measured or estimated. This limited information makes assigned values near impossible. The auction format is competitive by nature and inflated prices often result. Add to this shill bidding practices as well as being able to short the market in some cases results in a price structure that is incomprehensible.

I see no reason to pick a "best of" in a situation like this. Every catalogue has vices and virtues. Use each on it's own merits. When a discussion like this occurs it leads me to believe it's sales hype especially since some of the catalogues are released only once a year during this time.

As most of you know I prefer Art Becker's CD-ROM catalogue. The CD-ROM format works best for me. Always ready both on and offline. This is my primary reference however I often compare with other sources on points of subtle differences.

Why not buy them all? After the convention think about the entire cost of being in Las Vegas. Travel, lodging, food, gambling, strike purchases. Then ask yourself why you did not buy every piece of information available pertaining to the hobby. There is no strike author making a significant income from publishing such works. They do it for love of the hobby. Why not support the people that support you?

Tom