Overton book - 3rd vs 4th edition

coin22lover

A while back, I came to the realization that some Capped Bust halves listed for sale by Overton # were not matching what I was seeing in my Overton 3rd edition book as far as the Rarity ratings go. For example, some R5's were listed as R4's.

Now, the Overton 3rd is the book that always seems to be promoted as "the best" despite the fact there is a newer 4th edition and maybe an even newer one. But here's what I can't figure out - why would an older version be "better"? Is this some sort of self interest by the parties promoting outdated literature, or are the "pictures and stuff" really "better" in the 3rd edition?

Baley

to use the 4th edition, you need this: List of errata

TomB

The R values are evaluated every so often and can change over time. However, I own both the third and fourth editions and I greatly prefer the third edition.

coin22lover

<< <i>I greatly prefer the third edition. >>




But why?

Quarternut

Unfortunately the rarity ratings were not updated in the 4th edition. Due to the vastly better pictures found in the 3rd edition, it is still the best one to own. However there are a couple of die marriages discovered since the 3rd edition was published (1990) that are only illustrated in the 4th. (All of these are from before the capped bust type 1807-1836)

For the most up to date rarity ratings you need a copy of Stephen Herrman's "Auction & Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars 1794-1839".

Keep in mind that over time, the rarity ratings on almost all but the rarest die marriages, will gradually decline. Many R-5's have now become R-4's. However, even a tough R-4 can bring a premium due to the rising amount of collectors drawn to the series versus the amount of coins that exist.



QN