Best Book On Early Half Dollars?

CoinPhysicist · August 10, 2019 5:54AM

I assume the best book is written by Overton, but which edition? Looks like there is at least 5 editions. Thanks!

Nysoto · August 10, 2019 6:30AM

For the complete lettered edge half dollars flowing, draped, and capped bust 1794-1836 the Overton/Parsley 5th edition has all the die marriages and is the most complete for those years.

For the 1794-1807 flowing hair and draped bust, Early United States Half Dollars by Steve Tompkins is a vast improvement from Overton, incorporating much more research including Mint documents, better images, and sections on errors, die trials, counterstamps, and re-strikes.

Tompkins has planned books for the entire series, but I don't know when they will be published.

astrorat · August 10, 2019 6:46AM

@CoinPhysicist said:
I assume the best book is written by Overton, but which edition? Looks like there is at least 5 editions. Thanks!

The Overton book is the best for attribution (I prefer the 3rd edition). Each edition, sadly, is replete with errors (see https://busthalfprices.com/index.php). A great companion book for attribution is Dr. Peterson's "Ultimate Guide."

The book most fun to read is Edgar Souders' "Bust Half Fever." Oddly ... every time I pick up the book I start singing a Ted Nugent song ...

Bob13 · August 10, 2019 7:09AM

Agree that “bust half fever” is a good read. Doesn’t have all the die marriages but has so much info on the series. Highly recommend.

lkeigwin · August 10, 2019 7:19AM

As @Nysoto mentioned, Early United States Half Dollars by Steve Tompkins is the bomb. If you are into pre-turbs definitely buy it. If that's all I collected (1807 and earlier) I would never need to open Overton's book.

Speaking of Overton's book it belongs in the library of any bust half collector. The latest edition is 5 with better quality paper but some back-of-the-book abridging to make it somewhat thinner/lighter. The images still suck, just like earlier editions. 3 is most popular. I use 4 and have all its errors corrected (no small task...see @astrorat's link above for the errata).

Edgar Souder's book is really fun (but may be hard to find). As much a story book as a reference manual. I have Peterson's book but rarely use it. I got my footing before buying it so I'm kinda stuck in my ways.

Nysoto didn't mention his terrific, very well researched book on Robert Scot, Chief Engraver of the early Mint. Appropriately named "Robert Scot Engraving Liberty". I love this book! My copy is full of bookmarks I like to go back to.
Lance.

golden · August 10, 2019 12:34PM

Steve Tompkins book is a must have.

CoinPhysicist · August 10, 2019 12:42PM

Thanks for the responses! Is that volume 1 of the Tompkins book?

Also, is there a suggested place to buy this book?

Quarternut · August 10, 2019 1:38PM

If anyone is looking for a Early Half Dollars Vol.1, I will have some at my table in Chicago next week...Table 1656

Feel free to stop by and look one over before you buy...

QN

NSP · August 10, 2019 4:32PM

I don’t own any Bust half books, but I would assume that the Tompkins book is very good. I have his Bust quarter book and it is probably my favorite numismatic book.

TommyType · August 10, 2019 4:53PM

@CoinPhysicist said:
Thanks for the responses! Is that volume 1 of the Tompkins book?

Also, is there a suggested place to buy this book?

I'll add my vote for Tompkins. I'm very impressed with the pics, and added information, along with the attribution ease they add.

It's probably available in numerous locations, if you search long enough....But I bought mine from David Kahn:
https://www.davidkahnrarecoins.com/early-united-states-half-dollars-volume-i-1794-1807.html

Quick ship, and a good dealer to support!

Best Book On Early Half Dollars?

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