What are the best books on half dollars?
WildWestHalfDollars
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I mean for 1794-1891.
Member here for 5 years
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WildWestHalfDollars
Posts: 6,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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Go to the Liberty Seated Collector Club site. There is a thing called online resources under the heading for old site. I am sure there is a book page on the new site too.
Look for the books by Bill Bugert on Seated Half dollars. He has exstensive books on all the mints. You can download them for free if you wish.
This will get your from 1839 to 1891. Good luck. James
Probably essential;
Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794 to 1836, by Al Overton (suggest 3rd Edition or later)
A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836 to 1839, by Dick Graham
The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars, by Wiley and Bugert
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One's I do not have, but have seen, and each have FANTASTIC images.
NOTE: Mr. Powers work seems to modernize many previous works with color plates, however I would highly recommend Steve Tompkins book on the 1794 to 1807 issues (if you can find it), as it is considered the definitive work to date on Early US Half Dollars.
Early United States Half Dollars, Volume I: 1794-1807, by Steve M. Tompkins
U.S. Early Half Dollars 1794 – 1807 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
U.S. Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807 – 1826 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
U.S. Capped Bust Half Dollars 1827 – 1836 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
They revamped their website last year. If I’m not mistaken all their resources are behind a membership wall now.
Just use the thing at the top that says OLD LSCC Org. I just used it to look up something in Greer's book on dimes. No membership needed. Books are right thwere under online resources. James
The comment by @pursuitofliberty is terrific, but I would also add one more to the list-
Bust Half Fever, by Edgar Souders
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks guys!!!
Member here for 5 years
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Direct links:
http://old.lsccweb.org/Links.shtml
http://old.lsccweb.org/BillBugertBooks.php
Does anyone know if this book is any good?
Picked a copy of this book tried to buy other books but I am in Canada and those sellers only ship to the USA. I will continue searching for other books but only want to buy copies that are new or like new condition.
I saw there is a 5th edition but could not find a copy for sale.
United States Early Half Dollar Die Varieties. 1794-1836.Fourth Edition (700 pages)
(Random image I found on the internet)
Member here for 5 years
@WildWestHalfDollars That is what is considered the "Overton" manual, 4th Edition.
I think it is essential to have a 3rd, 4th or 5th Edition, so yes ... that is an important reference.
FWIW, Don Parsley was Al Overton's Son-in-Law, and he carried on the publication through the 5th Edition.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
There appears to be one copy available of Early United States Half Dollars, Volume I: 1794-1807, by Steve M. Tompkins online and they are hard to come by. Just Google.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Please send me the link via PM. If it is the one on eBay seller only ships to USA.
Member here for 5 years
I've learned from other SLH collectors here that Wiley and Bugert (1993) The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars has information that is not found in Bill Bugert's die marriage references that is useful and interesting. Most notably for Philly coins from 1874-1891 that are not covered in BB's DM registries yet, so it is definitely essential.
@Quarternut May be able to help you get an issue of the Early US Half Dollars book pictured, and have it shipped to Canada. I'm not sure, but maybe he'll chime in. He's a pretty resourceful guy.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Strongly recommend Bust Half Fever - it's just a great read.
My current "Box of 20"
Thanks guys much appreciated!!!
Member here for 5 years
Was going to buy a copy but their shipping cost to Canada costs as much as the book I cannot do that. Will wait to locate another copy. I do not mind paying 95$ for the book but almost 95$ for shipping I cannot stomach.
Member here for 5 years
How about the book on the 1838-O is that a good book?
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It might help if your post contained a bit more information than what you have written here.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
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Not the companies fault it is me I live in Canada so sometimes things like this prevent me from buying.
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@WildWestHalfDollars PM sent
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