Anyone have info on Rick Tomaska's new book?

Aethelred

I was wondering if anyone knows when Rick's new book on cameo proofs will be out and what the cost will be?

MadMarty

This that the one "When it cames to 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Halves, Russ SUCKS!"?

kieferscoins

Has anyone read the new NGC book on grading modern coins? Is it helpful also?

Cameron Kiefer

Russ

I don't know, but I submitted an article to him for inclusion.

Russ, NCNE

Aethelred

<< <i>Has anyone read the new NGC book on grading modern coins? Is it helpful also?

Cameron Kiefer >>



I have not, but if you have a link to a place I can buy it I'll review it for you.

kieferscoins

$14.95 and was just released a month or two ago

Cameron Kiefer

Aethelred

Thanks Cameron, I have ordered it!

100proof1957

Ricks new book wont be ready for 2 years !

Aethelred

<< <i>Ricks new book wont be ready for 2 years ! >>

Russ

Aethelred,

Did you grab a copy of United States Proof Sets And Mint Sets yet?

Russ, NCNE

Myqqy

I don't know, but I submitted an article to him for inclusion.

When do you find out if he's going to use it??

Aethelred

<< <i>Aethelred,

Did you grab a copy of United States Proof Sets And Mint Sets yet?

Russ, NCNE >>



Any useful info for someone who likes cherry picking proof sets for CAMS or mint sets for high end FBLs?

Russ

<< <i>I don't know, but I submitted an article to him for inclusion.

When do you find out if he's going to use it?? >>



Don't know. He said he'd look it over, but didn't give any kind of time frame. He solicited submissions in one of his newsletters.

Russ, NCNE

Mark

If you are talking about United States Proof Sets and Mint Sets by Guth and Gale, the book was relatively weak. It has some errors in it and very little information. Absolutely nothing applies to searching for CAM or DCAM coins. My recommendation is to avoid it.

Mark

Russ

Mark's right that it has nothing useful for searching out cams and dcams, but I like the book. While it does have it's share of errors, (what book doesn't?), it has a lot of useful information about mintage totals and varieties found in various sets.

Russ, NCNE

Aethelred

Based on the above info I think I'll pass on that book (again).

jonathanb

<< <i>Has anyone read the new NGC book on grading modern coins? Is it helpful also? >>



I have it, but I'm afraid I can't recommend it. It seems to be primarily a reprint of the NGC population reports, so it's going to be out of date pretty quickly. To let others judge, here is everything it says about proof Kennedys:

"
1968-1970
The 1968-1970 issues struck in 40% silver display an interesting phenomenon as pertains to the Cameo and Ultra Cameo effects. For 1968 one can find Ultra Cameo Proof Kennedy Halves without difficulty, and these may display some of the most spectacular and intense frosting of the entire ceries. For 1969 the Ultra Cameo coins are slightly scarcer than for 1968, while the 1970 Ultra Cameo examples can be a challenge to locate.

NGC Quick Tip:
Be aware that coins must display the attributes of Ultra Cameo on both sides in order for the designation to be rendered. Onesided Ultra Cameo coins will not be considered for this designation though they may be eligible for the coveted NGC Star.

1971-1977
Unlike the smaller denominations, the Proof Kennedy Halves from 1971-1977 can be found in the higher end of the Proof grade scale, with most certified by NGC falling in the PF-67 to PF-69 range. Ultra Cameo examples are obtainable for this date range with the exception of the 1971-S. This coin is elusive, with NGC having only certified only six UC pieces in all grades. The 1971-S Kennedy Half is considered by collectors to be the key date in Ultra Cameo, as most displaying Ultra Cameo contrast will have it on just one side of the coin.

1976 Bicentennial
This coin, featuring the customary obverse but having the dual dates of 1776-1976, was combined with a depiction of Independence Hall on its reverse. Proofs were issueed in copper-nickel-clad as well as 40% silver-clad. The copper-nickel-clad pieces were issued in six-piece Proof sets for 1975 and 1976. The 40% silver edition was issued exclusively for the three-piece Bicentennial Proof Set. The quality seen for both the copper-nickel-clad and the 40% silver issues is quite high, with coins regularly found in the PF-68 and PF-69 grades. The copper-nickel-clad pieces, however, seem to fall short of the Ultra Cameo designation more often than the 40% silver issue.

1978-Present
As with the other denominations, 1978 seems to have marked the beginning of the U.S. Mint's consistent production of Ultra Cameo Kennedy Halves. Most coins encountered will be designated as Ultra Cameo and will be found in the highest Proof grades, including the PF-70 UC. Beginning in 1992, 90% silver Proofs were produced by the U.S. Mint in addition to clad Proofs. The quality of these Proofs remains consistently high.
"

...with population reports listed with each section, but that's about it otherwise. Sort of interesting writeups, but definitely not what I expected from a book billed as a "grading guide".



jonathan