A few readers got in touch with suggestions, and two of them made it in.
First, prices are down: paperback $39.99 (was $44.99), hardcover $59.99 (was $64.99). For a book meant to be used at the table, it should feel like a tool, not an investment.
Second, there's now a collector's checklist at the back — all 50 types, with space for year, mint, grade, CAC, and purchase price. Mintage included for each, so you know what you're dealing with before you go looking. It's the kind of page that gets dog-eared.
All three editions updated. Link in my signature as always.
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
congratulations, what a beauty! The rainbow-toning on the bottom of the obverse looks fantastic and is truly an eye catcher.
I just got my hands on a raw 1935 San Diego, will share some pcitures once it arrived.
Enjoy!
Max
Thanks Max.
Can't wait to see your new coin
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
Congrats on the book I just grabbed the hard cover version on Amazon.
My avatar is my first and only so far but will need to read your book and ready myself for when the opportunity comes along. Seems like the Carvers are plenty as I've seen a few of those, randomly.
@Coinscratch said:
Congrats on the book I just grabbed the hard cover version on Amazon.
My avatar is my first and only so far but will need to read your book and ready myself for when the opportunity comes along. Seems like the Carvers are plenty as I've seen a few of those, randomly.
Thank you, @Coinscratch — genuinely appreciate you picking up the hardcover.
And that Texas is something else. 1935-D MS67+ CAC — that's not just a type coin, that's a coin you build a collection around. Starting with one like that sets a standard that's going to be difficult to live up to.
You're right about the Carvers — plenty around, but the book will give you a better sense of what to actually look for when the time comes. Not all "available" is created equal.
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
@Coinscratch said:
Congrats on the book I just grabbed the hard cover version on Amazon.
My avatar is my first and only so far but will need to read your book and ready myself for when the opportunity comes along. Seems like the Carvers are plenty as I've seen a few of those, randomly.
That is one of the most amazing coins I have ever seen!
What are the odds? A fun Commemorative coincidence!
I wanted to share a crazy little numismatic coincidence I just noticed few days ago with my Oregon Trail Memorial halves.
A few months ago, I bought a beautiful 1937-D Oregon from one seller. Fast forward to recently, and I picked up another stunning piece – a 1926– this time from different seller. Two completely different transactions, from two different collectors, separated by several months.
Recently, while looking at them side-by-side, I realized two things. First, they share a very similar, beautiful toning profile. Second, and most mind-blowing... I looked at the PCGS slabs.
Cert numbers: 9418611 and 9418612. They are consecutive!
These two coins were clearly submitted to PCGS together by the same collector years ago. They likely sat in the same old album or cabinet developing that matching patina, got separated in the market at some point, and somehow ended up reuniting in my collection all the way in Poland!
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
Comments
Hi Marcin,
congratulations, what a beauty! The rainbow-toning on the bottom of the obverse looks fantastic and is truly an eye catcher.
I just got my hands on a raw 1935 San Diego, will share some pcitures once it arrived.
Enjoy!
Max
Quick update on the book.
A few readers got in touch with suggestions, and two of them made it in.
First, prices are down: paperback $39.99 (was $44.99), hardcover $59.99 (was $64.99). For a book meant to be used at the table, it should feel like a tool, not an investment.
Second, there's now a collector's checklist at the back — all 50 types, with space for year, mint, grade, CAC, and purchase price. Mintage included for each, so you know what you're dealing with before you go looking. It's the kind of page that gets dog-eared.
All three editions updated. Link in my signature as always.
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
Thanks Max.
Can't wait to see your new coin
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
Congrats on the book I just grabbed the hard cover version on Amazon.
My avatar is my first and only so far but will need to read your book and ready myself for when the opportunity comes along. Seems like the Carvers are plenty as I've seen a few of those, randomly.
Beautiful Texas, @Coinscratch!
Tim
Thank you, @Coinscratch — genuinely appreciate you picking up the hardcover.
And that Texas is something else. 1935-D MS67+ CAC — that's not just a type coin, that's a coin you build a collection around. Starting with one like that sets a standard that's going to be difficult to live up to.
You're right about the Carvers — plenty around, but the book will give you a better sense of what to actually look for when the time comes. Not all "available" is created equal.
Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
That is one of the most amazing coins I have ever seen!
Thanks for sharing
Max
What are the odds? A fun Commemorative coincidence!
I wanted to share a crazy little numismatic coincidence I just noticed few days ago with my Oregon Trail Memorial halves.
A few months ago, I bought a beautiful 1937-D Oregon from one seller. Fast forward to recently, and I picked up another stunning piece – a 1926– this time from different seller. Two completely different transactions, from two different collectors, separated by several months.
Recently, while looking at them side-by-side, I realized two things. First, they share a very similar, beautiful toning profile. Second, and most mind-blowing... I looked at the PCGS slabs.
Cert numbers: 9418611 and 9418612. They are consecutive!
These two coins were clearly submitted to PCGS together by the same collector years ago. They likely sat in the same old album or cabinet developing that matching patina, got separated in the market at some point, and somehow ended up reuniting in my collection all the way in Poland!


Author of "Half a Dollar of History" — A collector's guide to the classic U.S. commemorative type set (1892–1954) | 50 chapters, PCGS photography, grading guides & auction values | amazon.com/dp/B0H6BZMQ6X
That's insane @MarcinRotocki . The previous cert # is a Bridgeport and the later # is an Oregon Trail.
Thank you @LangerWilli She stood out like a sore thumb in the case next to her was a (same) PCGS 67 but really didn't compare in the eye appeal dept.
@MarcinRotocki, that’s crazy Man. Great observation. Love stuff like that.
Zack.