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What are the best books on half dollars?
WildWestHalfDollars
Posts: 7,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
I mean for 1794-1891.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
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Go to the Liberty Seated Collector Club site. There is a thing called online resources under the heading for old site. I am sure there is a book page on the new site too.
Look for the books by Bill Bugert on Seated Half dollars. He has exstensive books on all the mints. You can download them for free if you wish.
This will get your from 1839 to 1891. Good luck. James
Probably essential;
Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794 to 1836, by Al Overton (suggest 3rd Edition or later)
A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836 to 1839, by Dick Graham
The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars, by Wiley and Bugert
.
One's I do not have, but have seen, and each have FANTASTIC images.
NOTE: Mr. Powers work seems to modernize many previous works with color plates, however I would highly recommend Steve Tompkins book on the 1794 to 1807 issues (if you can find it), as it is considered the definitive work to date on Early US Half Dollars.
Early United States Half Dollars, Volume I: 1794-1807, by Steve M. Tompkins
U.S. Early Half Dollars 1794 – 1807 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
U.S. Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807 – 1826 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
U.S. Capped Bust Half Dollars 1827 – 1836 Variety Identification Guide, by Robert Powers
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
They revamped their website last year. If I’m not mistaken all their resources are behind a membership wall now.
Just use the thing at the top that says OLD LSCC Org. I just used it to look up something in Greer's book on dimes. No membership needed. Books are right thwere under online resources. James
The comment by @pursuitofliberty is terrific, but I would also add one more to the list-
Bust Half Fever, by Edgar Souders
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks guys!!!
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
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Direct links:
http://old.lsccweb.org/Links.shtml
http://old.lsccweb.org/BillBugertBooks.php
Does anyone know if this book is any good?
Picked a copy of this book tried to buy other books but I am in Canada and those sellers only ship to the USA. I will continue searching for other books but only want to buy copies that are new or like new condition.
I saw there is a 5th edition but could not find a copy for sale.
United States Early Half Dollar Die Varieties. 1794-1836.Fourth Edition (700 pages)
(Random image I found on the internet)
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
@WildWestHalfDollars That is what is considered the "Overton" manual, 4th Edition.
I think it is essential to have a 3rd, 4th or 5th Edition, so yes ... that is an important reference.
FWIW, Don Parsley was Al Overton's Son-in-Law, and he carried on the publication through the 5th Edition.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
There appears to be one copy available of Early United States Half Dollars, Volume I: 1794-1807, by Steve M. Tompkins online and they are hard to come by. Just Google.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Please send me the link via PM. If it is the one on eBay seller only ships to USA.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
I've learned from other SLH collectors here that Wiley and Bugert (1993) The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars has information that is not found in Bill Bugert's die marriage references that is useful and interesting. Most notably for Philly coins from 1874-1891 that are not covered in BB's DM registries yet, so it is definitely essential.
@Quarternut May be able to help you get an issue of the Early US Half Dollars book pictured, and have it shipped to Canada. I'm not sure, but maybe he'll chime in. He's a pretty resourceful guy.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Strongly recommend Bust Half Fever - it's just a great read.
My current "Box of 20"
Thanks guys much appreciated!!!
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
Was going to buy a copy but their shipping cost to Canada costs as much as the book I cannot do that. Will wait to locate another copy. I do not mind paying 95$ for the book but almost 95$ for shipping I cannot stomach.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
How about the book on the 1838-O is that a good book?
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
It might help if your post contained a bit more information than what you have written here.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
Not the companies fault it is me I live in Canada so sometimes things like this prevent me from buying.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
@WildWestHalfDollars PM sent
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Is there any books on the 1839 to 1891 series? If not I will join the website you mentioned for a full year.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
@WildWestHalfDollars . If you go to the free online reference list of books at the old LSCC site (It is lighted up at the top of the page) you will find all the Seated Half dollar books.
The 8th book listed is the Wiley-Bugert book. It covers the series from 1839-1891.
The "BILL BUGERT BOOKS" page will take you to a series of books that divide the series up by mint.
There are 2 books on Philly, 1 on San Fran , 1 on New Orleans and 1 on Carson City. There are supplementals about 1861-O as a set but you will not find a book on any of the With Arrows coins. james
The "BILL BUGERT BOOKS"
I see it was written in 1993 is it still the best book for this series? Seems a little old hence my question.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
It is the only comprehensive book there is. The Bill Bugert books are fairly recent and offer a much deeper dive into the series. They break each coin down into individual coin die marriages. james
Just purchased a copy of the Wiley-Bugert book.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
Added this one:
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
That's an interesting AI style cover.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I'll say. Where is the Seated Liberty representations?
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No way that is real....
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
Yes very real have a copy in hand. They are sold on Amazon.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
The Complete Guide to United States Half Dollars
History, Designs, Mintages, Key Dates, and Collector Insights
For more than two centuries, the United States half dollar has quietly carried the story of a nation. From the earliest silver coins struck in the 1790s to the modern Kennedy half dollar, this remarkable denomination reflects the changing history, artistry, and economics of the United States.
The Complete Guide to United States Half Dollars by James R. Garner is a comprehensive reference designed for both new collectors and experienced numismatists. This book explores every major half dollar series in detail, explaining how these coins were created, why their designs changed, and which coins have become the most desirable among collectors.
Inside this guide, readers will discover the full history of the half dollar denomination, including the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and Kennedy series. Each chapter provides historical background, collecting insights, and the key details that help collectors better understand these iconic coins.
This book also goes beyond simple history. It includes practical information collectors can use when building a collection, identifying rare coins, and evaluating condition and value.
Inside this book you will learn:
• The complete history of United States half dollars from 1794 to the present
• The stories behind each major design and the artists who created them
• Key dates and semi-key dates collectors search for
• Mint marks, mintages, and coin specifications
• How coins are graded and certified
• Mint errors, varieties, and special issues
• The role of silver in half dollar coinage
• Tips for building and preserving a coin collection
With detailed chapters and extensive appendices covering mintages, specifications, legislation, proof issues, and collecting resources, this book serves as both an educational introduction and a valuable reference guide.
Whether you are just beginning your journey into coin collecting or expanding an established collection, The Complete Guide to United States Half Dollars offers a deeper appreciation for one of the most historic denominations in American coinage.
Each half dollar carries a story.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
It is not AI.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
That is humorous. I would expect the composition inside was created from the same type of information on the cover. Need to double verify every statement in that book before taking it as fact.
I'm guessing James Garner sells AI created books, they all appear the same on Amazon. Pass!!
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
So it is a garbage book? I will have to start reading it.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
It is 100% AI. Cheap AI programs have a difficult time creating the legends and date numerals on coins. The cover clearly botched the coin designs. When the author has a option to put photos of genuine coins, he chose to AI generate his cover instead.
I don't have a copy but the preview reads as elementary information with little depth and no sources.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
Bust Half Fever is probably my favorite numismatic book on bust halves. Well worth the read with an abundance of worthy information.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
The cover certainly is.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
You guys were right not a book worth buying. Oh well.
Liberty Seated Half Dollars
"The Kennedy Half Dollar Book" James Wiles 1998
I always liked The Complete Guide To Walking Liberty Half Dollars by Bruce Fox.
jom
Picked up a copy of this book:
Liberty Seated Half Dollars