David Akers' Book on US Gold Coins

Longacre

Does anyone have the David Akers books called "US Gold Coins, an Analysis of Auction Records", Volume IV (half eagles) and Volume V (eagles)? Can you tell me what type of book this is? What I am looking for is a date by date analysis of each coin, which will give such information as typical strike, number in existance, most commonly seen grade, varieties for that year, etc. I am basically looking for something similar to the Winter books on double eagles which basically tell that information in an easy format.

Since the Akers books are pretty expensive, can you please let me know what they are like and whether they contain the information I am looking for? Any other books you suggest for half eagles and eagles?

Thanks.

BillJones

Akers' books contain some of the information that you want.

He comments on the rarity of each date and mint mark, but he does not spend too much time with die varieties the way Breen did in his booklets that came out in the 1950s. I don't have Winter's book on double eagles, but I have his work on the Charlotte and Dahlonega mints. Akers' books don't provide that type of detail.

You also much take into account that the grades are from the auction catalogs from many years ago. As such, (1) more coins have cropped up and (2) the grades were often overstated, which is par for the course when it comes to quite a few auctions.

Still I do have the whole set, and have found the coins useful. Of course when I purchased them, the whole run cost me about $100.

gemini12398

I can sell you both books if you are interested. Just send me a private message.

David

mhammerman

Got my copy of "...an illustrated history" today. Man, is it ever illustrated and I would never have it if it wasnt for longacre doing this thread before about books. Thanks longacre and thanks forum!

Longacre

mhammerman-- thanks for the compliment. Let me know what you think of the book. I have lots on gold coins so if you need any other suggestions, let me know.