Building a numismatic library, one book at a time

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  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Abe Kosoff-Dean of Numismatics by QDB
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Denis R. Cooper, "The Art and Craft of Coinmaking: A History of Minting Technology"

    An interesting read, but unfortunately out of print and expensive.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Eagleguy
    Eagleguy Posts: 2,264 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    History of the United States Mint and its Coinage by David Lange

    JH
    JH

    Proof Buffalo Registry Set
    Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
    Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
  • Rodebaugh
    Rodebaugh Posts: 304 ✭✭✭
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    One of my favorites. Re-evaluate population numbers.

    image
  • GeorgeKellogg
    GeorgeKellogg Posts: 1,251 ✭✭
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    Every numismatic reference library should contain The U.S. Mint and Coinage: An Illustrated History from 1776 to the Present, by Don Taxay. It is a virtual textbook on U. S. mint history and coin manufacturing technology. I have referred to it during many numismatic research projects.
    "Clamorous for Coin"
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Every numismatic reference library should contain The U.S. Mint and Coinage: An Illustrated History from 1776 to the Present, by Don Taxay. It is a virtual textbook on U. S. mint history and coin manufacturing technology. I have referred to it during many numismatic research projects. >>



    image

    Plus, it's relatively cheap for an out-of-print numismatic book.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Baley
    Baley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    image

    Still waiting for almost all of the coin values to return to what they were when this book was published.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • SkyMan
    SkyMan Posts: 9,605 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    A whole bunch of the ones I was going to recommend have already been mentioned, so I'll go with:

    R. Tomaska's, "The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars".
    Toned Franklins

    U.S. Type Set
  • 410a
    410a Posts: 1,325 ✭
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    RYK that's a great book and an easy read. Everyone should read that book "Abe Kosoff Dean of Numismatics" and In the "Waterford Water Cure" Read Only ONLY DID I say ONLY? Only the Preface by John Ford. He John knew how to write a story. Now, the rest of that book is tough sledding. Regards, Mike
  • 410a
    410a Posts: 1,325 ✭
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    I'll never forget what Bob Rose said when he saw my copy of the "Mercenary Guide" "Man he's gonna need those guns when this market calms down" ...........Bob Rose R I P Regards, Mike
  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
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    Russ Logan & John McCloskey - Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837

    Even if you don't collect half dimes (I don't), this is what a study of early American coins should be.
    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • RB1026
    RB1026 Posts: 1,524 ✭✭✭✭
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    Scanning the list I don't believe that anyone has yet added this one:

    Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Philip L. Mossman, "Money of the American Colonies and Confederation: A Numismatic, Economic and Historical Correlation"

    This is a very interesting, intelligently written book. It provides useful background information that would complement what is in the Whitman Encyclopedia by QDB (noted above).
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Mitchell
    Mitchell Posts: 595 ✭✭✭✭
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    Anothony Swiatek's "Encyclopedia Of US Silver and Gold Commemorative Coins, 1892-1954"
    Successful BST: dmwjr, ike126, bajjerfan, morganman94, sonoradesertrat, 12voltman, duiguy, gsaguy, gsa1fan, martin, coinfame, zas107, bothuwui, gerard, kccoin, jtwitten, robcool, coinscoins, mountain_goat, and a few more.
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "Treasure in the Cellar" by Len Augsberger, another nod to our forum friend and an exciting read about the Baltimore Hoard.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • GeorgeKellogg
    GeorgeKellogg Posts: 1,251 ✭✭
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    Here's one a little out of the mainstream: Early Engineering Reminiscences (1815-40) of George Escol Sellers, edited by Eugene S. Ferguson. It was published in 1965 by the Smithsonian Institution. I was probably drawn to this work because of my training and vocation as an engineer.

    It contains great historical and technical information available nowhere else. It is the story of the automation of the U. S. Mint, in the beginning of the nation's industrial revolution, which largely evolved from the early machine shops in Philadelphia. This emerging technology was also used in the new branch mints in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. I found the blueprints of the horizontal steam engine and toggle-joint coin press (of the types used in the
    branch mints) especially compelling.
    "Clamorous for Coin"
  • Dentuck
    Dentuck Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭
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    Good Manners for Today’s Polite Coin Collector
    A Cradle-to-Grave Handbook of Numismatic Etiquette
    Platinum Edition
    by Lincoln Vanderblatt
    An update of the original edition by ARCHIBALD VANDERBLATT


  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
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    Louis Jordan - John Hull, the Mint, and the Economics of Massachusetts Coinage

    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • Eagleguy
    Eagleguy Posts: 2,264 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Striking Change by Michael F. Moran

    JH
    JH

    Proof Buffalo Registry Set
    Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
    Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Okay, we are running out of steam here.

    Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins by Garrett and Guth
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Mitchell
    Mitchell Posts: 595 ✭✭✭✭
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    The Complete Guide to Shield and Liberty Nickels by Gloria Peters and Cindy Mohon

    Gloria was a good friend (rip).
    Successful BST: dmwjr, ike126, bajjerfan, morganman94, sonoradesertrat, 12voltman, duiguy, gsaguy, gsa1fan, martin, coinfame, zas107, bothuwui, gerard, kccoin, jtwitten, robcool, coinscoins, mountain_goat, and a few more.
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Okay, we are running out of steam here.

    Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins by Garrett and Guth >>




    Not to worry, RYK. When it comes to this topic, I can play the role of energizer bunny.

    Since you picked the book that I was going to suggest for today, my alternate choice is:
    Robert W. Julian/"Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century, 1792 – 1892"
    This is an important book, a must-have if you are really interested in historical mint medals.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
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    Andrew Pollock - United States Patterns and Related Issues

    a bit out of date by now, but more comprehensive than Judd.
    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Brooke Hindle/"David Rittenhouse"

    Rittenhouse was a distinguished 18th-century scientist and engineer, probably the only one of Franklin's contemporaries who could give him a run for his money. Rittenhouse also founded the U. S. Mint, and the oldest American coin pedigree likely originates with him.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • richardshipp
    richardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
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    Early United States Quarters 1796 - 1838 by: Steve Tompikins

    Not only extremely informative but well thought out and executed.
  • Mitchell
    Mitchell Posts: 595 ✭✭✭✭
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    Rusty Goe's "Mint on Carson Street"

    Essential for any Carson City coin collector.
    Successful BST: dmwjr, ike126, bajjerfan, morganman94, sonoradesertrat, 12voltman, duiguy, gsaguy, gsa1fan, martin, coinfame, zas107, bothuwui, gerard, kccoin, jtwitten, robcool, coinscoins, mountain_goat, and a few more.
  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
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    Eric P Newman - The Secret of the Good Samaritan Shilling
    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • Dollar2007
    Dollar2007 Posts: 774 ✭✭✭
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    << <i>Rusty Goe's "Mint on Carson Street"

    Essential for any Carson City coin collector. >>



    I will add "James Crawford Master of the Mint at Carson City: A Short Full Life" by Rusty Goe as well, not sure if as essential since it is more specialized, but much more of a story and really takes you to the time of the Mint. It is still in print though and more reasonable than the sporadic copies of "The Mint on Carson Street" that come for sale every now and then.
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Don Taxay/"Counterfeit, Mis-struck, and Unofficial U. S. Coins"
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The United States $3 Gold Pieces: 1854-1889 by QDB and Doug Winter

    While the book is centered on the somewhat less popular $3 gold series, it is really a numismatic history of the second half of the 19th century and one of the great, underrated coin books of the last 10 years, IMO. In fact, they barely even discuss $3 gold coins until about 50 pages into the book.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Stew
    Stew Posts: 1,002
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    Collectible Ike Varieties, Facts-Photos-Theories, Ike Group, Rob Ezerman, David Golan, Herb Hicks, Gary Hoop, Andy Oskam, Bill Sanders, and Brian Vaile
    My Ebay Listings
  • Zoins
    Zoins Posts: 34,489 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    A good way to view some great designs that you may not ordinarily come across is So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen.

    Now that we have this going, I've been thinking it would be great if some of our specialists with websites here published their own ebooks. I just might have one up my sleeve in the (far) future too image
    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I can't imagine wanting a book with dirty old covers. image
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • kevinj
    kevinj Posts: 990 ✭✭✭
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    Favorite research book - The 1894-S Dime, A Mystery Unraveled
    Favorite series - Deuces
    Favorite book - Coin Collecting for the Next Generation - without the next generation, we have no hobby and go the way of stamps

    Kevin


    Flynn, Kevin, Getting Your Two Cents Worth. Kevin Flynn, 1994.

    Flynn, Kevin, Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Die Varieties

    Flynn, Kevin, A Collector's Guide to Misplaced Dates, 1997.

    Flynn, Kevin, Morgan Dollar Overdates, Over Mintmarks, Misplaced Dates and Clashed E Reverses, 1998.

    Flynn, Kevin, Treasure Hunting in the Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Series, 1998.

    Flynn, Kevin, A Quick Reference to the Top Misplaced Dates, 1998.

    Flynn, Kevin, Gary Wagnon, Karen Peterson. A Quick Reference to the Top Lincoln Cent Die Varieties, 1998.

    Flynn, Kevin, John Wexler. The Best of The Washington Quarter Doubled Die Varieties, 1998

    Flynn, Kevin. Flying Eagle, Indian Cent, Two Cent, and Three Cent Doubled Dies, 1999.

    Flynn, Kevin, John Wexler. Treasure Hunting Mercury Dimes, 1999.

    Flynn, Kevin, Bill Van Note. Treasure Hunting on Liberty Head Nickels, 1999.

    Flynn, Kevin, Ron Volpe, and Kelsey Flynn. Those Amazing Coins, A Kid's Guide to Collecting, 2000.

    Flynn, Kevin, Ron Volpe, and Kelsey Flynn. Kid's Statehood Quarters Collector's Folder with information on collecting other cool coins, 2000.

    Flynn, Kevin and Kelsey Flynn. Statehood Quarters and other cool coins, 2000.

    Flynn, Kevin, The Authoritative Reference on Roosevelt Dimes, 2002.

    Flynn, Kevin and John Wexler. Treasure Hunting Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollar Doubled Dies, 2003.

    Flynn, Kevin and John Wexler. Over Mintmarks and Hot Repunched Mintmarks, 2003.

    Flynn, Kevin. The Authoritative Reference on Barber Dimes, 2004.

    Flynn, Kevin. The Authoritative Reference on Barber Quarters, 2005.

    Flynn, Kevin. The Authoritative Reference on Barber Half Dollars, 2005.

    Flynn, Kevin. Treasure Hunting on Walking Liberty Half Dollars, second edition, 2005.

    Flynn, Kevin. The 1894-S Dime, A Mystery Unraveled, 2005.

    Flynn, Kevin, John Wexler, and Ron Pope. The Authoritative Reference on Buffalo Nickels, 2007.

    Flynn, Kevin, John Wexler, and Bill Crawford. The Authoritative Reference on Eisenhower Dollars, Second Edition, 2007.

    Flynn, Kevin, The Authoritative Reference on Commemorative Coins, 1892-1954, 2008

    Flynn, Kevin, Lincoln Cent Matte Proofs, 2009

    Flynn, Kevin, Edward Fletcher. The Authoritative Reference on Three Cent Nickels, Third Edition, 2009

    Flynn, Kevin and John Wexler. The Authoritative Reference on Lincoln Cents, Second Edition, 2009

    Flynn, Kevin and Winston Zack. The Authoritative Reference on Three Cent Silver Coins, 2010

    Flynn, Kevin, Coin Collecting for the Next Generation, 2011

    Flynn, Kevin, The Authoritative Reference on Two Cent Coins, 2011

    Flynn, Kevin, The Authoritative Reference on Franklin Half Dollars, 2012

    Kevin J Flynn
  • Mitchell
    Mitchell Posts: 595 ✭✭✭✭
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    "14 Bits: The Story of America's Bicentennial Coinage 1976" by David Ganz
    Successful BST: dmwjr, ike126, bajjerfan, morganman94, sonoradesertrat, 12voltman, duiguy, gsaguy, gsa1fan, martin, coinfame, zas107, bothuwui, gerard, kccoin, jtwitten, robcool, coinscoins, mountain_goat, and a few more.
  • Zoins
    Zoins Posts: 34,489 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Let's try creating a numismatic library, one book (or catalog or periodical or pdf) at a time.

    Here are the groundrules:
    1. One single book per post.
    2. One post per day per forum member (please, no alts or sock puppets image ) >>



    Looks like someone's very excited about this thread image
    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • coachbedford
    coachbedford Posts: 189
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    The greatest coin book ever written, bar none: "Uncovered: The Lost Coins Of Early America" (c. 2006)
  • Stew
    Stew Posts: 1,002
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    A manual of gold and silver coins of all nations, struck within the past century, Published 1842 By Jacob Reese Eckfeldt, William Ewing Du Bois

    Link to entire book online
    My Ebay Listings
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Bowers, Q. David/"Virgil Brand: The Man and his Era. Profile of a Numismatist"

    Brand was a legendary, and eccentric, collector (perhaps better termed a hoarder, since his estate included several hundred thousand coins). He kept all of his coins in his apartment suite, located on the grounds of his Chicago brewery. The last of his coins finally sold more than 50 years after his death.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    A.L. Friedberg & I.S. Friedberg/"Paper Money of the United States" (18th edition)
    An excellent resource, even if you aren't a serious currency collector.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Stew
    Stew Posts: 1,002
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    N.C.I. Grading Guide, By James L. Halperin
    My Ebay Listings
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Interested in late-date large cents? If so, get this book:
    J. R. Grellman, Jr./"The Die Varieties of United States Large Cents, 1840 – 1857"
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Jcarney
    Jcarney Posts: 3,154 ✭
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    "The Complete Guide to Walking Liberty Half Dollars" by Bruce Fox

    A pretty rare book I understand.
    “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” — Benjamin Franklin


    My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Interested in middle-date large cents? If so, get:
    John D. Wright/"The CENT Book, 1816 - 1839"

    Alternatively, get the book by Bill Noyes. Ignore Newcomb's book unless you're a early copper history buff.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    SDR, thanks for keeping the thread alive. image

    I will add:

    The Norweb Collection by Hodder and QDB
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • rmpsrpms
    rmpsrpms Posts: 1,976 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The Classification and Value of Errors on the Lincoln Cent, Jean Cohen, 1969
    PM me for coin photography equipment, or visit my website:

    http://macrocoins.com
  • Stew
    Stew Posts: 1,002
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    United States Pattern,Trial and Experimental Pieces, 1913, By Edgar H. Adams and William H. Woodin

    Link to full Book Online
    My Ebay Listings
  • DavidMerrill
    DavidMerrill Posts: 18
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    I have a video of the American Numismatic Association library in Colorado Springs here.

    I will drop in and get a complete pictorial of the entire place!





    image
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    And now for something completely different. The proliferation of counterfeit U.S. gold coins (and, to a lesser extent, U.S. silver coins) in the 19th century led a variety of inventors to develop small counterfeit coin detectors for use by merchants. Typically, these were used to check weight, diameter, and thickness. They make nice display items, and are interesting sidelights to a collection of U.S. gold coins.

    Here's an excellent reference for these:
    Eric P. Newman & A. George Mallis/"U. S. Coin Scales and Mechanical Counterfeit Detectors"
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
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    100!

    Fred Reed - Civil War Encased Stamps

    Great History about encased postage stamps and their issuers.

    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)

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