Numismatic Literature

KellenCoin

Hello! I have noticed a lack of a good place on these forums for numismatic bibliomaniacs (literature collectors) to have a nice discussion. So, I came up with the idea for this thread. My idea revolves around this thread being a place of discussion, questions, and learning. I know that I personally hope to learn from the people on this forum.

So, I will get us started.
Something to discuss: What is your specialty within numismatic literature (periodicals, catalogs, specific auctioneer, etc.)

Something to Ask: Do you personally like having hand-written notes in books by previous owners? A second question: Do you like having signed/inscribed books?

Something to learn: There is a ton of information at http://wiki.coinbooks.org/index.php/Main_Page

KellenCoin

You do not have to talk about these specifically, but they are examples.

Sonorandesertrat

I am collecting Mehl catalogs and have started collecting early catalogs (pre-1880 or so), but I have a wide assortment of numismatic literature. I don't care for writing in my books/catalogs, unless there is an important signature/inscription (e.g., my Parmelee catalog is Ex-Bass and Kosoff). If I want something because of the notes, I usually also attempt to buy a 'clean' copy as well.

I place more emphasis on early copper literature. some of my more important acquisitions in 2015-16 include a copy of a plated Beckwith Sale (SH Chapman; 1923) and a pristine copy of the Lord St. Oswald Sale with PRL (Christie, Manson & Woods; 1964).

KellenCoin

Nice! Do you have a favorite sale of Mehl's? That is pretty awesome that your Parmlee catalog has that pedigree. How do you know?

Are you a member of the EAC? Also, do you know the prices realized for the Chapman sale? If not, the copy here has them written in: http://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?AucCoId=22&AuctionId=511010

I am also curious what the Oswald sale focused on specifically. Was there a major rarity? I don't know much about this catalog.

Do you have a favorite catalog in your collection?

dbldie55

I actively collect literature as well as coins. My most recent purchase is a hard bound copy of the 1996 Eliasberg sale. This is part of my 1913 Liberty Nickel catalog collection.

The most recent book I read is the book, 1849: The Philadelphia Mint Strikes Gold. That was a very enjoyable book.

As for signed, I have numerous books that have been signed by the authors directly to me. I do enjoy these types of books.

KellenCoin

Have you traced the pedigrees back to when they were first made? Also, how close are you to a complete set?

Another book I would recommend if you have not read it yet is "Truth Seeker: The Life of Eric P. Newman" by Joel Orosz, Len Augsburger, and Roger Burdette. It is probably one of if not the best numismatic book I have read this year.

Is 1849 a more "reading" or "reference" book?

I also personally enjoy having books signed by the authors. David Lange incorporates and interesting strategy: He signs all the books unless requested otherwise. What do you think of that?

Sonorandesertrat

Favorite Mehl catalog (tie): Dunham (1941) and Atwater (1946)

My Parmelee catalog has the Bass book plate and Kosoff plate. It came out of the Bass Part IV Sale (Kolbe; 2000).

The Oswald Sale, held in London, is perhaps best known for 18th-century US coins in unusually nice condition. It's the most expensive post-1945 catalog that I own (by a factor of at least 2), despite the fact that it's thin and only has 4 pages of plates.

I don't think that I have a favorite, but I very much like the WWC Wilson Sale (Wayte Raymond, 1925-26). The Franco-American jetons in that collection are quite interesting and are plated.

dbldie55

@KellenCoin said:
Have you traced the pedigrees back to when they were first made? Also, how close are you to a complete set?

Another book I would recommend if you have not read it yet is "Truth Seeker: The Life of Eric P. Newman" by Joel Orosz, Len Augsburger, and Roger Burdette. It is probably one of if not the best numismatic book I have read this year.

Is 1849 a more "reading" or "reference" book?

I also personally enjoy having books signed by the authors. David Lange incorporates and interesting strategy: He signs all the books unless requested otherwise. What do you think of that?

I have all of the catalogs I know of with the 1913. Now working on Hard Bound editions where available.

I have both a signed hard bound and soft bound copy of the Truth Seeker book. That was an excellent book.

The 1849 book is basically the history of the mint, and the political connections over the years. It is a reading book. (to me)

Sonorandesertrat

"Another book I would recommend if you have not read it yet is "Truth Seeker: The Life of Eric P. Newman" by Joel Orosz, Len Augsburger, and Roger Burdette. It is probably one of if not the best numismatic book I have read this year."

I agree. EPN produced more original, influential numismatic research than just about any of his contemporaries. He was also one of the first to recognize what Ford was doing, and Ford clearly was concerned about what Newman thought.

ricko

I have many numismatic books, though no catalogs. Mine are usually coin specific... except for Redbooks... Books on error coins, Morgans, chop marks, Walkers, coin cleaning.... etc.. I buy when I see a topic of interest... and now have an entire shelf relegated to numismatics. Cheers, RickO

RogerB

The OP might also be interested in browsing catalogs and other materials in the Newman Numismatic portal at Washington University, St. Louis, and in the thread here on making Transcriptions of old documents.

KellenCoin

That would be cool! It would take work but that would be fun!

RogerB

KellenCoin - if you are interested in helping with transcriptions, please take a look at the original thread and comments from various volunteers. You can then send m a PM and I'll give you the contact email and instructions.

KellenCoin

What is the name of the thread?

Later: Never mind, found it.