Review: Bowers' Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins

RYK

I received my autographed copy of this second in the series of Bowers'/Whitman guide books a while back, but until today, I had not spent much time with it. I must say that it is a great book and an extremely good numismatic book value for $15 (or so). There are well-written chapters about the history of double eagles, grading them, collecting them, and related shipwrecks and hoards. In addition, every issue has its own entry with expanded information on the more numismatically interesting coins: Pacquets, high reliefs, etc. From the standpoint of learning about the specific die, color, strike, and surface characteristics of each coin, the Winters books on Liberty $20's (especially the most recent one on Type 1's) is superior. But as a reference to tote along to coin shows, quickly look up a fact, or pick up to peruse, this book is excellent.

Even if you have no interest in double eagles, the quality of this edition bodes well for future ones on type coins, seated coins, etc. I plan to purchase any and all of the rest of the books when they are available.

homerunhall

Dave Bowers is the best of all-time...period. This book is fantastic, as is his recent one on Morgan dollars. I think he may be doing a whole series...I certainly hope so.

David Hall

foodude

Thanks for reminding me to buy this book. I have almost all the books he's written. I look forward to each new one he writes.

itsnotjustme

ttt for anything not about GtG. This topic is beaten to death already!

northcoin

Thanks for the report. I was honored to have David Bowers include me in his acknowledgements in the book.

pmh1nic

RYK

Do you have QDB's book "United States Gold Coins : An Illustrated History"? I have it and it's got a section on each U.S. gold coin series including Double Eagles. Does the new book contain a fair amount of new information?

northcoin

ttt