Best books for half dimes?

rhedden

I recently purchased my friend's half dime set that's been sitting in the bank since before 1960. I'd like to pick up a book or two on variety attribution, including all half dime types 1794-1873. Which books are worth purchasing, and which are out of date? I know the Valentine book is getting old. If I buy the Logan-McCloskey book and the Al Blythe book, would that just about cover it? Is there any reason to buy the Valentine book other than for its historical significance?

coinguy89

Go with the Logan/McCloskey book if you have the money, they're about $70, somewhere around there. The Valentine book in my opinion wouldn't be worth it, but it might have a few miner things the the other won't. After that I don't know of any other books on the topic. I wish there were cheaper books on this topic of collecting though, I myself collect capped bust half dimes and haven't been able to get a Logan/McCloskey book yet, either I can't find one, or there too expensive. Im not allowed to buy on the internet either. But enough about that go with the Logan/McCloskey. You might wanna also check out some recent auction house catalogs containing half dimes, I know theres quite a few out there, mostly classic sales, so if you have any high end or rare examples that would be a great idea.

JrGMan2004

The Logan and McCloskey book will be good for your Half-Dismes, Flowing Hairs, Draped Bust, and Capped Bust Half-Dimes... If you are really serious about collecting Capped Bust Half-Dimes you should definately get the B&M Sale of the Russ Logan collection. A nearly complete collection of die marriages for Capped Bust Half-Dimes was sold. Only 2 marriages weren't sold in that sale, though I don't know why. The Valentine book is completely out of date, and the Logan/McCloskey book includes and expands on everything in the Valentine book. If you get a chance, I'd appreciate some pictures of some of your Bust Half-Dimes

coinguy89

Yeah, I wanna see photos too.

Conder101

I definitely agree on the Logan/McCloskey book (Federal Half Dimes 1794 - 1837) and I would recommend the Blythe book over Valentine. for the Seated material. I understand there is a new book on the seated half dimes in the works but I don't have any idea when it will be out.

coinguy89

Are there any smaller or atleast less expensive bust half dime books out?

rhedden

Sorry, coins are in the bank for a while, so no pics. But I will get around to posting pics later this fall or winter.

dorkkarl

another vote for l/m. actually, it's the ONLY book you need for earlys.

for the later 1's, i don't advice pursuing varieities. you won't enjoy it.

K S

rhedden

I think I'll go with the LM book, then, and forget the Valentine book. I might also buy the Al Blythe book for roughly $30 just because of the shear number of Seated half dimes I have on hand. I'd like to know if there's something rare or valuable in there.

uncleb

Valentine is a waste of money, except as a novelty, since the L-M upgraded it.

I'm not familiar with the Blythe book.