What is the book everyone refers to when attributing Bust halves?

commoncents123

Earlier this year when I shifted my focus from Lincolns to a Capped bust half year set, I was warned about "the fever". I didn't believe anyone when they said it won't be long before I'm in over my head. Well, that day has arrived and my fascination with Capped bust halves is out of control.
Is this it? Is that the reference everyone uses to do the O's and (R1, R5, etc.)... Or is there more than one? Which one is the gold standard? The size and price of that one seems excessive to me.

savoyspecial

Overton (3rd ed seems to be the preferred edition)

commoncents123

I'm more or less looking for the simplest, quickest guide to making the attributions...I don't much care for the life history of every molecule in the coin sort of thing

Barndog

3rd Ed is the preferred edition. The ebay book is 4th edition and can be had for less if you look around...it is a "lesser" book than the 3rd edition.

Barndog

<< <i>I'm more or less looking for the simplest, quickest guide to making the attributions...I don't much care for the life history of every molecule in the coin sort of thing >>



3rd edition of Overton

TomB

There is no question about it, in my opinion, the third edition of Overton is the way to go. Don't be fooled by the fourth edition, which has Parsley as author; this is an inferior update of Overton's work.

astrorat

There are two very useful books and one fun book. The first is "Early Half Dollar Varieties" by Overton (the fourth edition is okay, but the third is better). Be sure and check the errata for the third and fourth editions. This is where the "O" in O-101, etc. comes from...

Another very useful book, especially if you have high grade pieces, is "The Ultimate Guide for Attributing Bust Half Dollars" by Glenn Peterson.

The fun book is "Bust Half Fever" by Edgar Souders. It offers great history and detailed information about the various dates. It is a "fun" book because you don't need it to attribute varieties, but it is on the shelf of most serious CBH colletors. Also...it's a great read.

Lane

commoncents123

Cool, so who has an extra 3rd edition Overton book for sale? No, seriously? PM me if you do