Book Review: America’s Golden Age: Private & Pioneer Gold Coins of the United States 1786-1862

lonemountaincoin

I wrote this review several months ago, but thought I'd share it here in case it entices more folks to buy the book because it's such a great read. I took the liberty of placing some of my (former) coins on the cover, several of which were featured in the book and one of which may have even more prominent status, but we won't say which.

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Unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding America’s first gold coinage through an in depth review of numerous historical articles, letters, and excerpts, we are presented with a uniquely insightful summary of the progression, the how, and of the why behind private gold coinage from the first Brasher Doubloon to the last pioneer gold coin ever made near the end of the Civil War.

This is the book that binds them: seasoned pioneer goldbugs will revel in it; newcomers will be aghast in amazement.

Sit across the table from Dave who, combines decades of his best-of-the-best numismatic expertise, his extensive handling experience of some of the rarest of early gold, and his unique ability to unearth and retain “buried” goldmines of information like no one else.

This work masterfully weaves together the stories, the history, the beauty, and the romance of pioneer gold into a well organized chronological reference, an encyclopedia, and an art gallery rolled into one.

We are handed a delicious recipe – those who dare step into the world of early gold will devour it will delightful ease. Beautifully rendered pictures of America’s most storied and treasured gold coins are juxtaposed against thorough & historical research.

This treatise will ignite, and re-ignite the passion for collecting pioneer gold like no other resource that has come before it. Don and Dave were the right team to knit this creative tome. Together, they combine their dedication to pioneer coinage, their penchant for research, and their proficiency in numismatics into a resource that will be surely referenced and revered for decades to come. They break down some common misconceptions and allow history to re-emerge, refreshingly anew.

The only trouble is you won’t be able to read it just once. Perhaps that isn’t such a bad thing after-all. Bravo team!

Suffice it to say: if you don’t own this book yet, buy it. Buy it now.

lermish

I lugged two copies of that heavy ass book around the bourse at the ANA and then through the airport.

Totally worth it, great read and a handy reference to have in the library.

breakdown

Just ordered a copy - thanks for posting this.

Couldn’t get it on Kagin’s but found a copy on eBay. My first numismatic eBay purchase in 15 years or more.

lonemountaincoin

@breakdown said:
Just ordered a copy - thanks for posting this.

Couldn’t get it on Kagin’s but found a copy on eBay. My first numismatic eBay purchase in 15 years or more.

Awesome!

golden

I have been meaning to get one of those for a year. Just ordered one on Ebay.

lonemountaincoin

@golden said:
I have been meaning to get one of those for a year. Just ordered one on Ebay.

I believe they are gearing up for another printing of these too.