Has anyone read Don Taxay's "Counterfeit, Misstruck, and Unofficial US Coins"?

Longacre

Has anyone ever read this book? Is it an interesting read? The title seems pretty interesting. Is it more of a "story" book that gives a history of these types of coins, or is it purely a "technical" book that lists the technical aspects of counterfiet coins? Does anyone know where I can find a copy? Thanks.

michael

an excellent read much esoteric usa federal coinage 8information not found elsewhere a great reference you will be refering to for years if you have a copy in your library

michael

RKKay

Unfortunately, my extra copy is a giveaway in the YN essay contest. Do a google search, and you'll find one for about $10.

Hedger

I was fortunate to find a copy in a used bookstore in "like new condition". Could not find those earlier publications anywhere else. You might try Amazon.com but the book is most likely out of print.

Hedger

BTW, I also found another good read called "Detecting Counterfeit Coins" by John Devine.

Gemini

Longacre I bought the copy I have in 1966 which sold for $4.50 back then.
The chapters are as follows:
Introduction by John J. Ford
1 a short history of Mint techniques and terminology
2 on the arts of counterfeiting clipping and adjusting
3 altered coins
4 famous forgeries of the US Mint and other eccentricities
5 new dies from old-a postscript
6 "pedegreed forgeries"
7 private coins by necessity
8 a comedy of Mint errors (and epilogue)
There are 132 illustrations

The book is not boringly technical and is an easy and interesting read. All production dates and weights of all produced US coins is also included. Interersting coverage of old collectors and how they obtained coins from the Mint and their correspondence. Check the coin book dealers and book auctions the book was reprinted a couple of times since 1963 and copies shouldn't be that hard to come by.

Don-

tsacch

I got one for sale, $12 shiipped

Barndog

Longacre, did you ever get a copy? What were your thoughts after reading it (if you got one)?

CaptHenway

A very good read, even if parts of it are dated.
Heck, parts of me are dated..........
TD

291fifth

I originally read the book at the Ft. Polk library on weekends when I was in basic training in 1970. All of Taxay's books are worth reading.

Michigan

It is a good book, bought my copy in an auction at a meeting of the local coin club many years ago.


What happened to Don Taxey is a bit of a mystery, rumored to have died years ago on a trip to India but nobody seems
to know for sure.

Barndog

<< <i>It is a good book, bought my copy in an auction at a meeting of the local coin club many years ago.


What happened to Don Taxey is a bit of a mystery, rumored to have died years ago on a trip to India but nobody seems
to know for sure. >>



for an interesting read concerning this mystery, CLICK HERE

numisma

Longacre, I just bought ANOTHER copy of this fine reference a couple of days ago from Charles Davis (one of the best numismatic book dealers) for $12 including shipping. It is an essential reference for any numismatic library. Fantastic read that, to me, is more technical than anything else.

RichieURich

Yes, I read it many years ago and reread parts of it occasionally. Great book!