Books on Liberty Cap Half Cents

CoinPhysicist · August 4, 2016 1:59PM

Hey All,

I am interested in learning about the old Liberty Cap Half Cents. Particularly the 2 extreme rarity types of 1796. Is there a book devoted to either of these topics? I've tried google searching for books about this type or date coin and it doesn't seem like there is a book devoted to either. I was hoping maybe the experts here might know of a book or 2 that isn't an obvious google search or something.

For the familiar with Jon Amato's Draped Bust Small Eagle type history + census or the Collins Breen 1794 Dollar book + census, the ideal book I seek would be these books instead for the 1796 half cent.

I think I would have been able to find this book if it exists from google, but alas I haven't found any literature. So I would like to ask the experts here which books I should read and study to learn about this elusive mintage. Maybe it is a whole book devoted to the series or the year 1796 or a book with a large section about the series and year 1796.

Thanks for your expertise.

DaveWcoins · August 4, 2016 8:03PM

What comes to mind for me is the Stack's auction of John Whitney's collection.

He is/was known as "Mr. 1796", as he collected high grade examples of every die variety of every denomination of that year.

Seems to me it was held in May of 1999, if memory serves.

A very well done, well researched catalog.

Also, of course, there is Walter Breen's excellent book on half cents.

RichieURich · August 4, 2016 10:54PM

Agree with what Dave W said. Breen book is out of print, but Wizard Coin Supply has it for $56.25, a real good price as it listed originally for $50.

Whitney catalog is also available, a hardbound is $40, softcover I couldn't find but it should be around $20 - $25.

CoinPhysicist · August 4, 2016 11:38PM

So I do have a copy of the Whitney auction catalog which I think is a great resource on coins from the year. I was looking for something a little more tailored to the half cent. I might check out that Breen half cent book that was mentioned.

EDIT: Is this the book?

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.co...f-cents-1793-1857.html

LoveMyLiberty · August 5, 2016 2:17AM

Yes that's the book. It's very useful.

You might also try to find several auction

catalogs of collectors of half cents such

as the Jules Reiver Collection Vol I

a Heritage Auction Jan. 24-28 2006,

Also the Col. Steven Ellsworth Collection

Heritage Auct. May 29, 2008 and several

others if you scan through Heritage's

archives for past sales.

There is a lot to be learned by looking through

the PCGS Registry sets of great collections like

Jim McGuigan & others with good images of

their pieces to study.

If you have a copy of the new Red Book deluxe

edition & you don't mind doing a little weight

lifting of the 875 pound tome, there are some

nice write-ups on Half Cents contained there in.

msch1man · August 5, 2016 3:24AM

I also like The Half Cent Die State book by Manley, but it covers all half cents and isn't specific to 1796...in fact the die state info for each of the varieties for that year is only 4 pages out of the book.

CoinPhysicist · August 5, 2016 4:02AM

Thanks for the responses again. It seems like the Breen book may be a great place to start.

Is this the catalog book you are talking about? I noticed his collection was sold in 9 parts, but this is the one for part 1.

https://www.amazon.com/Heritag...llection/dp/1599670240

I searched the heritage website. I tried to get the digital download but apparently the link is broken and they don't sell catalogs that old still. But amazon has that copy and for surprisingly not an exorbitant price.

Also that Half Cent Die State book by Manley seems to be a very hard book to find. Is this it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Ha...c00:g:YOQAAOSwInxXNeiE

I'm mostly interested in the specific date as opposed to the whole series. Maybe the Breen book about the series and the heritage catalog would be a good place to start. The Manley book seems quite expensive. Unless it is much better than the Breen book?

Books on Liberty Cap Half Cents

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