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Q. David Bowers debuts a new WHITMAN ENCYCLOPEDIA in Memphis
Dentuck
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Q. David Bowers Debuts the Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money
at the 2014 Memphis International Paper Money Show
(Atlanta, Georgia, June 20, 2014) — Q. David Bowers, the “Dean of American Numismatics,” was a featured speaker
at the 38th annual Memphis International Paper Money Show on Friday, June 13, 2014. He presented an insider’s view
of the rarity, pricing, and market for obsolete currency, and introduced the first two volumes of the new Whitman
Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money.
Q. David Bowers poses with his latest books—volumes 1 and 2 of the
Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money—at the 38th annual
Memphis International Paper Money Show, Friday, June 13, 2014.
Obsolete notes are currency released from 1782 to 1866, before the modern era of National Banks and the Federal Reserve.
Over the course of these decades more than 3,000 state-chartered banks issued their own paper money for day-to-day
commerce, in thousands of colorful and ornate varieties.
Also presenting with Bowers were Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker (who talked about the Whitman Encyclopedia,
which is expected to fill 14 volumes of 400 to 800 pages each) and senior associate editor Caitlyn Mitchell (who discussed
her introduction to numismatics and immersion in the massive book project).
In the Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money Bowers has compiled decades of research from 18th- and
19th-century bank reports, contemporary newspapers, and other primary sources. He gives the history of every state,
every town and city, and every bank that issued this uniquely American currency. Each note is studied in detail, and
thousands are pictured in full color, with information on grading, rarity, values in multiple grades, significant auction
results, advice for collectors, and other valuable guidance.
In his Memphis presentation, Bowers talked about factors that make collecting obsoletes such a fascinating hobby:
the nefarious activities of counterfeiters, the introduction of new print technologies, the development of security features,
the artistry and design of the notes’ beautiful engraved vignettes, their close connection to so much American history. He
explored popular vignettes (such as Santa Claus) that can dramatically increase demand for a note and thus its market value.
And he explained why some notes are common in high grades but can still be collected very affordably, while others are rarely
seen and can be expensive. “The field of obsoletes is laden with thousands of inexpensive rarities—good opportunities for
collectors,” Bowers observed.
The presentation filled the room with an audience of 49 people, most of them active collectors of obsolete paper money.
Bowers, Tucker, and Mitchell encourage collectors and researchers to get involved with the multiple-volume project. Volumes
1 and 2 debuted at the Memphis Show, offering an introduction to the hobby and full coverage of Connecticut, Maine, and New
Hampshire. Volumes 3 and 4, currently in development, finish up New England with coverage of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and Vermont. After New England, future books will cover the Southern states, the Mid-Atlantic states, the Midwest, and territories.
Anyone interested in sharing images, historical research, or market analysis can contact Whitman Publishing at obsoletes @ whitman.com.
At the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money (2 p.m., August 7, 2014), Bowers and Tucker will present
“Obsolete Paper Money: History, Rarity, and Today’s Market,” including an opportunity for questions-and-answers with
the audience.
Q. David Bowers autographs his latest books.
at the 2014 Memphis International Paper Money Show
(Atlanta, Georgia, June 20, 2014) — Q. David Bowers, the “Dean of American Numismatics,” was a featured speaker
at the 38th annual Memphis International Paper Money Show on Friday, June 13, 2014. He presented an insider’s view
of the rarity, pricing, and market for obsolete currency, and introduced the first two volumes of the new Whitman
Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money.
Q. David Bowers poses with his latest books—volumes 1 and 2 of the
Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money—at the 38th annual
Memphis International Paper Money Show, Friday, June 13, 2014.
Obsolete notes are currency released from 1782 to 1866, before the modern era of National Banks and the Federal Reserve.
Over the course of these decades more than 3,000 state-chartered banks issued their own paper money for day-to-day
commerce, in thousands of colorful and ornate varieties.
Also presenting with Bowers were Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker (who talked about the Whitman Encyclopedia,
which is expected to fill 14 volumes of 400 to 800 pages each) and senior associate editor Caitlyn Mitchell (who discussed
her introduction to numismatics and immersion in the massive book project).
In the Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money Bowers has compiled decades of research from 18th- and
19th-century bank reports, contemporary newspapers, and other primary sources. He gives the history of every state,
every town and city, and every bank that issued this uniquely American currency. Each note is studied in detail, and
thousands are pictured in full color, with information on grading, rarity, values in multiple grades, significant auction
results, advice for collectors, and other valuable guidance.
In his Memphis presentation, Bowers talked about factors that make collecting obsoletes such a fascinating hobby:
the nefarious activities of counterfeiters, the introduction of new print technologies, the development of security features,
the artistry and design of the notes’ beautiful engraved vignettes, their close connection to so much American history. He
explored popular vignettes (such as Santa Claus) that can dramatically increase demand for a note and thus its market value.
And he explained why some notes are common in high grades but can still be collected very affordably, while others are rarely
seen and can be expensive. “The field of obsoletes is laden with thousands of inexpensive rarities—good opportunities for
collectors,” Bowers observed.
The presentation filled the room with an audience of 49 people, most of them active collectors of obsolete paper money.
Bowers, Tucker, and Mitchell encourage collectors and researchers to get involved with the multiple-volume project. Volumes
1 and 2 debuted at the Memphis Show, offering an introduction to the hobby and full coverage of Connecticut, Maine, and New
Hampshire. Volumes 3 and 4, currently in development, finish up New England with coverage of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and Vermont. After New England, future books will cover the Southern states, the Mid-Atlantic states, the Midwest, and territories.
Anyone interested in sharing images, historical research, or market analysis can contact Whitman Publishing at obsoletes @ whitman.com.
At the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money (2 p.m., August 7, 2014), Bowers and Tucker will present
“Obsolete Paper Money: History, Rarity, and Today’s Market,” including an opportunity for questions-and-answers with
the audience.
Q. David Bowers autographs his latest books.
0
Comments
<< <i>14 volumes makes Haxby look like a piker, with his 4. 14 might also make Haxby's price look like a bargain. >>
Haxby was no piker! (I know you were joking for exaggerated effect, but I have to throw that in! Jim Haxby's work
was and remains a testament to his genius.)
How much is a four-volume set of his Standard Catalog going for these days?
<< <i>Dentuck, really like that you folks encourage collectors to participate in upcoming volumes. >>
That's the only way to tackle a project of this scope and breadth! Even with QDB's substantial brainpower
and super-productive work ethic, we need active collectors, dealers, researchers, museum curators, and other
experts to weigh in with their knowledge.
Volumes 1 and 2 have benefited from some great volunteers the hobby community. John Rowe, Bruce Hagen,
Tom Denly, John Ferreri, Fred Reed, David Sundman, and Jason Bradford, to name just a few --- not to mention
the Smithsonian Institution, the American Numismatic Society, the American Numismatic Association, the American
Antiquarian Society. . . .
Joseph Adamski; John Albanese; American Numismatic Society; American Antiquarian Society;
American Numismatic Association; Irene Axelrod; American Bank Note Co.; Georgia Barnhill;
Jane Beckman; Anne Bentley; Steve Blum; Wynn Bowers; Karen Bridges; Frank Campbell; Robert
Chandler; J. Emily Cowin; Thomas Denly; Katherine de Silva; Richard Doty; Roger H. Durand;
Craig Evans; Larry Falater; C. John Ferreri; Ron Gillio; David Gladfelter; Stephen Goldsmith;
Nancy Green; Jack Gumbrecht; Bruce Hagen; James A. Haxby; Heritage Auctions; Gene Hessler;
Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Wayne Homren; Peter Huntoon; Jennifer Hynes; Christine
Karstedt; Lawrence T. King; Lyn Knight; John Kraljevich; George H. LaBarre; Kevin Lafond;
Joseph R. Lasser; Karen Lee; Littleton Coin Co.; Greg Manning; Massachusetts Historical Society;
Robert McCabe; Paul McCoy; Hugh McDougall; Tim Melanson; Evelyn R. Mishkin; Jenny
Moulton; Karl Moulton; Doug Mudd; Don Munro; New Hampshire Historical Society; New
Hampshire State Library; Eric P. Newman; Susan Novak; Douglas A. Nyholm; Donald O’Brien;
Ossipee (NH) Historical Society; Gary Parietti; Donn Pearlman; Phillips Library at the Peabody
Essex Museum; Douglas Plasencia; Professional Currency Dealers Association; Fred Reed III;
John Rowe; Gaylen Rust; Harry Salyards, M.D.; Sandwich (NH) Historical Society; Amanda Sheheen;
Hugh Shull; R.M. Smythe & Co.; Society of Paper Money Collectors; Stack’s Bowers Galleries;
Stack’s Rare Coins; David M. Sundman; Anthony J. Terranova; Mark Tomasko; Frank
Trask; Frank Van Valen; Wells Fargo History Museum; Steven Whitfield; Richard Winslow III;
Wolfeboro (NH) Historical Society; Wendell Wolka.
Valuations editors for volume 2: John Rowe and Bruce Hagen.
Special valuations contributors: Jason Bradford, Tom Denly, and C. John Ferreri.
Image Credits
American Bank Note Co. Archives
American Numismatic Society, New York City
A&O Auctions (Amanda Sheheen)
Bruce Hagen Collection
Caine Collection
C. John Ferreri Collection
David M. Sundman Collection
Heritage Auction Archives
Kevin Lafond Collection
Peabody-Essex Museum, Salem, Massachussetts
Q. David Bowers Archives
R.M. Smythe Collection
Smithsonian Institution
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Swasey Collection
Tom Denly Archives
Tom Prince Collection
W. Murray Clark
<< <i>Haxby's typically go for $400/set. They've averaged that for quite a while I think. >>
I wasn't aware that they'd dropped in value so dramatically and so quickly. As recently
as November 2009, in Coins magazine, Fred Reed (editor of Paper Money magazine)
observed: "Long out of print (my wife bought my set for me as a Christmas present in 1988),
sets have been retailing for $800 more-or-less when available. Prominent currency dealers
had 'open' buy ads for sets."
I remember seeing ads in Bank Note Reporter around that time offering to buy four-volume
sets for something like $725 and sell them for $800.