Is the Trade Dollar book by John M Willem very informative?

jesbroken

I recently ran across this book and wonder if it is beneficially informative regarding Trade Dollars? Anyone have or have used the book?
Thanks,
Jim

ChopmarkedTrades

It's one of the earliest in-depth histories of the Trade Dollar, and it's like most early works on a given subject - a lot of the information likely won't come as a surprise, but it is important when considering the evolution of the study of the Trade Dollar series, and there are some interesting tidbits that come up with each rereading.

jesbroken

@ChopmarkedTrades said:
It's one of the earliest in-depth histories of the Trade Dollar, and it's like most early works on a given subject - a lot of the information likely won't come as a surprise, but it is important when considering the evolution of the study of the Trade Dollar series, and there are some interesting tidbits that come up with each rereading.

What about an old book I ran across regarding chopmarked trade dollars. Just for curiosity as I have never owned one that I kept, but for information only, is there a best guide book?
Jim

CaptHenway

To answer your question, not really, but you will learn some things.

If money is no object get Q. David Bowers two-volume set on U.S. Dollars. You will learn a lot more.

yosclimber

This 2015 archive of TDN's website is quite good:
https://web.archive.org/web/20150217130601/http://www.tradedollarnut.com/

jesbroken

@yosclimber said:
This 2015 archive of TDN's website is quite good:
https://web.archive.org/web/20150217130601/http://www.tradedollarnut.com/

Thank you, some very interesting reading by our own TDN. Great website for this regard. Again thank you.
Jim

ChopmarkedTrades

@jesbroken said:

What about an old book I ran across regarding chopmarked trade dollars. Just for curiosity as I have never owned one that I kept, but for information only, is there a best guide book?
Jim

Every book about Trade Dollars will explore chops at least in brief, but there aren't really any publications that talk about chopmarked US Trade Dollars exclusively. There are two English-language publications on chopmarks in general, 'Chopmarks' by F.M. Rose (early, poor images, but fundamentally sound) and it's much more up-to-date successor, 'Chopmarked Coins: A History' by Colin Gullberg (visually very strong, updated information). Neither comes up for sale often, particularly Gullberg, but a copy of Rose (original or reprint) should turn up with some patience.

DDR

I still refer to the Willem book from time-to-time. If you are interested in Trade Dollars, I would get it. I have found the QDB's two volume set tremendously helpful, but it is expensive, as noted by CaptHenway.

For chopmarked Trade Dollars, also as noted previously there is the Rose book and the Gullberg book. If you want to collect chopmarked Trade Dollars, both are almost "must haves."

Finally, there is a board member here who is working on a comprehensive book on Trade Dollars. Hopefully, it will be out soon...

jesbroken

Thanks to all for your informative responses. I had already purchased the Willem Book and may get the Rose book just for the information. I have read a lot on TDN's website and truly enjoyed it.
Jim

ricko

I have the Rose book on chopmarked coins... Have not found a Gullberg book... Will get one if I see one available. Cheers, RickO