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Your fantasy book

You've just walked into your neighborhood coin store and there on the shelf is a book you would pay a day's wages for.

What is the title and what information does it contain?

adrian

(I just came back from 10 days of RV'ing with my family - Dallas, Texas to Gatlinburg, Tennessee - ...did essentially no coin business, had no internet connection.....even "coin laundry" caught my eye.)

Comments

  • Q. David Bowers 2 books on silver dollars published in the early 90's which I paid $125.00 for which I am sure are considerably more today.
  • ShamikaShamika Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
    I'd easily pay a days wages for the 2010 edition of the RedBook.

    image
    Buyer and seller of vintage coin boards!
  • tjkilliantjkillian Posts: 5,578 ✭✭✭
    A indian cent book with more information on each date with detailed information on strike and color, not just red, with lots of large, color pictures of many, many indian cents.

    Tom
    Tom

  • mdwoodsmdwoods Posts: 5,559 ✭✭✭
    had no internet connection.....

    That's inhumane. image
    National Register Of Big Trees

    We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
  • The slab book by conder101.

    Cameron Kiefer


  • dragondragon Posts: 4,548 ✭✭
    My fantasy coin book is a large hardcover book entitled "United States Gold Coins, An Illustrated History" by Bowers. I think it's one of the best books ever written on gold and packed with obscure information as well as auction records, superb color plates, history of the various mints, information on great collections, brief bios on some of the great collectors of yesteryear, information about Augustus St. Gaudens, etc, etc. For anyone even remotely interested in US gold, this book is a must have IMO.

    The book however costs more than $26.00 so I don't think I could purchase it on a days pay.image

    dragon
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,419 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great question! I'd gladly pay a day's wages for the right book on coins of the Mexican War for Independence. The book would include historical background, die varieties, die states, rarity estimates, provenances, price records, and great photos. If somebody else doesn't write that book, I may have to do it myself. It would take me years to write the book, so paying a day's wages would be a great deal!
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    The book that has the answer to all of my questions. I'm not sure if it's published yet.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    An original Gutenberg bible. Of course, that wouldn't be in a local coin store. If it had to be coin related, then it would be the "How to get people to give you rare coins or your money back" book.

    BTW, Adrian, I hope you enjoyed Gatlinburg. It's only 40 miles from me. It's a beautiful place and this fall the Appalachians are better than in previous years.
  • I agree with Shamika, 2010 Red Bookimage
    Michael
  • WWWWWW Posts: 2,609 ✭✭✭
    I'd like to have a book packed with fabulous pictures of every single (classic) coin minted by the USA and it's
    colonies (including patterns) and accompanied by brilliantly written descriptions and historical references.
    Call it: The Best Damn Coin Book Ever


  • << <i>I'd easily pay a days wages for the 2010 edition of the RedBook. >>



    Shamika!!! DAMMIT BOY!!! image
  • MadMonkMadMonk Posts: 3,743
    probably the Breene, or the latest VAM books.
    Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
  • gemtone65gemtone65 Posts: 901 ✭✭✭
    Coin Magazine or some such publication, dated at or around the time of the 2010 Red Book. On the cover is a sole picture of a PCGS MS66 1811/10 punctuated date bust half dollar, with text reading "Record Price Realized for U.S. Silver Coin." image
  • Best book I have ever found was "The United-States Nickel Five-Cent Piece" By Michael Wescott. It provides a date by date analysis and history of all the Nickels providing specific info about each date. It's been worth every dollar I paid for it. I have no idea if it is still in print.

    Now I would like to see one just like it on Three Cent Nickel Pieces (ah what the heck, toss in the silver ones too (and if you really must, the Two Cent and Twenty Cent coins)).

    "The Authoritative Reference on Three Cent Nickels" by Kevin Flynn and Edward Fletcher is very good for a variety collector, but is light on date by date info of the sort the Wescott book provides.

    Myriads
  • Myriads, I'm glad you liked that book, I had a fair sized role in the writing of it. Fortunately my copy of the manuscript and the pages of corrections and suggestions I sent Michael survived the fire back in 97. It is no longer in print and hasn't been for some time.

    There are quite a few books that I would pay a days pay for.

    The Half Cent die state book.
    US Large cents 1793 - 1814 by Noyes
    US Large cents 1816 - 1839 by Noyes
    US Large cents 1840 - 1857 by Grellman
    Wiley-Bugart book on seated Halves
    The two volume Bowers encyclopedia on dollars once he finishes the revision.
    Sound Currency Reform Club 1895 and 1896. (repacement copies for ones I have that have been damaged.)
    18th Century provincial token coinage by Dalton & Hamer (replacement for copy that is falling apart)
    British tokens 1811 -1820
    GSAguys book on GSA dollars when it comes out.

    I'm sure there are others but these are the ones off the top of my head. I've also purchased several others that I wanted recently that fit the criteria.
  • One of the personalized Farouk catalogue with penciled in descriptions, amounts and annotations from the auction with attached memorabilia including but not limited to a set of original photographic plates of the coins from Stack's. Or the original diary/records of the last superintendent of the Dahlonega mint with details of 1861 coinage and the mint's closure.
    Collect for enjoyment
  • Interesting group of comments.

    I gave my question some thought.

    I think that I would like the book to be:

    edited/written by Q. David Bowers and David Hall with photos by me and that fellow who used to do photography for Mid American (~Rare Coin Auction company)

    huge

    contain a very large section on investing in coins which would include a historical perspective on the investment of coins

    contain a very large section with superb photos of the most gorgeous coins - not necessarily the most unobtainable or expensive coins

    contain information supporting the theory that all economies based on fiat currency will crash

    and containing information about the history of the US mint.

    adrian
  • As long as it's a $9.99 book! I don't make that much perdiem...image
    What is money, in reality, but dirty pieces of paper and metal upon which privilege is stamped?
  • seanqseanq Posts: 8,733 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That book doesn't exist yet... so I've decided I'm going to write it myself image

    (Aside for Myriads & Conder101: I have the Wescott nickel book and also like it a lot - it was my primary reference source back when I actively collected full-steppers).


    Sean Reynolds
    Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.

    "Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
  • coppercoinscoppercoins Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭
    Another 'fantasy' book that will become reality within ten years, because I am writing it.

    "A Complete Reference on Lincoln Cent Die Varieites", by C. D. Daughtrey

    Over 2,500 pages, lists all known markers for all known die varieties of the Lincoln cent. Not a 'best of' book or a 'new discoveries' book, this one lists them all, from the most obvious and valuable down to the most obscure and difficult to detect and identify. The first ever full and complete reference for Lincoln cent die variety collectors.

    Because of the size and scope of this book (again, 2,500 pages and over 10,000 photos), the method of publication for this book is rather unique for numismatic references. It will be issued three-hole punched for binders, and will come in monthly 'packets' of pages to subscribers. Packets will contain around 100 pages each and will cost about the same thing as a magazine subscription. The duration of this subscription is expected to run three years to the completion of the book.

    To help offset the difference between printing costs and the price the subscribers will pay, the back side of each page will contain advertising, which can be purchased through me. Each different die will be a single page by itself, leaving room on the back of the pages for up-to full page ads (at as low as $75 per insertion), which is far and away cheaper than any published magazine, and this is a permanent book.
    C. D. Daughtrey, NLG
    The Lincoln cent store:
    http://www.lincolncent.com

    My numismatic art work:
    http://www.cdaughtrey.com
    USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
    image
  • My fantasy book is Krause's World Coins book dated 2003. Retail price is $52.95. A good days pay. OOPS, I have some of these and will sell them for $22.00 each postpaid. NEW Ok,Ok, I'll take it to buy and sell. Just having some fun here. Want One?? Steve
  • I would like the assembly instructions and operators manual for HG Wells' time machine so I could go back and buy a ton of coins.
    Paul in Pine Hill
    ----------------------------------------
    My ebay auctions

  • mozeppamozeppa Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Another 'fantasy' book that will become reality within ten years, because I am writing it.

    "A Complete Reference on Lincoln Cent Die Varieites", by C. D. Daughtrey

    Over 2,500 pages, lists all known markers for all known die varieties of the Lincoln cent. Not a 'best of' book or a 'new discoveries' book, this one lists them all, from the most obvious and valuable down to the most obscure and difficult to detect and identify. The first ever full and complete reference for Lincoln cent die variety collectors.

    Because of the size and scope of this book (again, 2,500 pages and over 10,000 photos), the method of publication for this book is rather unique for numismatic references. It will be issued three-hole punched for binders, and will come in monthly 'packets' of pages to subscribers. Packets will contain around 100 pages each and will cost about the same thing as a magazine subscription. The duration of this subscription is expected to run three years to the completion of the book.

    To help offset the difference between printing costs and the price the subscribers will pay, the back side of each page will contain advertising, which can be purchased through me. Each different die will be a single page by itself, leaving room on the back of the pages for up-to full page ads (at as low as $75 per insertion), which is far and away cheaper than any published magazine, and this is a permanent book. >>







    I CAN'T WAIT ........i want it all ..........now!image
  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ugh, not another "hard money" book. I think that one's already been written, about a million times over.

    Adrian, right before the chapter on how fiat money always crashes, how about a chapter on how GOVERNMENTS always crash and how there's never been one that lasted more than 500 years (or whatever the figure is). Let's get the right perspective here.......it's not about fiat currency, it's about faith in the government. One reason people lose faith in the government is because they print too much damn currency, but ultimately it's not about the currency, it's about whether folks believe in their leaders or not.

    As for the coin pictures, you can put in as many as you like image
  • An original copy of Raphael Thian's 'Register of the Confederate Debt.'
  • Condor,

    Just wanted to take a sec to thank you for the work on the Nickel book. Too bad it's out of print :-(

    Myriads
  • northcoinnorthcoin Posts: 4,987 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Actually, the primary coin shop in Fairbanks Alaska has a whole section devoted to rare books. You can get books from the 1600's in their original bindings and they are there right on the shelf. Didn't see the Guetenberg Bible there though I did look!

  • ColonialCoinUnionColonialCoinUnion Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭
    For me its one that doesn't exist but that I'm working on -

    'The Comprehensive Photographically Illustrated Colonial Coin Condition Census' with two special bonus inserts:

    1) 'The Complete Record of All Auction Results of Colonial Coins Since 1800' and

    2) 'The Comprehensive Record of All Private Colonial Coin Transactions Ever, even the Ones that were Totally Secret'


  • GeminiGemini Posts: 3,085
    My dream book...
    If only the camera had been invented in an earlier century.
    I would like to see a book with lots of photos of our first Mint in its operation.
    With plenty of color shots of overflowing kegs of newly pressed large cents and silver dollars on every page. image
    A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    One fantasy book...

    An original copy of the first mint director's report for the first year of the mint's operation.
  • With regard to colonial coins, CCU, I LOVE them and i think your idea of a colonial coin book would be awesome.

    I have been quietly buying up many colonial coins (some of which i have listed). They are way, way, way too cheap. Remember when other early American coins like bust dollars were way too cheap?

    A totally fascinating era and one which much has been written about and just as importantly, much which could still be written. A wide open field and totally American.
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    I would love to find a 12-volume set giving lots of details on coins and official medals of the British Empire, including information on mintages, characteristics for each coin, relative values (e.g. exchange rates for the different coins at the time they were minted), circulation (which circulated well, which were hoarded), photos, diagnostics of genuine coins, packaging of numismatic items, etc.

    Another book would be The Exhaustive Encyclopedia of Chopmarks and Chopmarked Coins. It would include photos of all chops, their provenance, rarity, deciphering of difficult to read Chinese characters, background info on the banks and merchants that used chops, etc. I imagine it would be over 1,000 pages.
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    I just thought of another one. Please find me a copy of An Exhaustive Study of Foreign Coins Used in the United States from Colonial Times Until 1857. I want to read a book that describes all foreign coins used in commerce in the US, their relative worth in US dollars, points of entry (e.g. French coins coming in from Canada), points of exit (e.g. to the Caribbean or China), volume, average time in circulation, meltings, etc. I want to know, for example, how many foreign coins were used in the Gold Rush days of California compared with US coins. I get the feeling there were a lot more Mexican reals in circulation than US dimes.
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    Are you going to take my suggestions and write some books for me, Adrian?
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
  • <<An original Gutenberg bible.>>

    I was in Mainz, Germany, and saw a Gutenberg bible:

    image

    I would buy "The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia" by John Highfill.
    Author of MrKelso's official cheat thread words of wisdom on 5/30/04. image
    imageimage
    Check out a Vanguard Roth IRA.
  • Michael Casper

    Michael I. Casper, Rare Coins, Inc.

    Post Office Box 40

    Ithaca, New York 14851



    Phone: 607-257-5349

    Fax: 607-266-7904

    Email: michael@caspercoin.com

    http://www.caspercoin.com
  • njcoincranknjcoincrank Posts: 1,066 ✭✭
    Abuell....GREAT answer....

    Not quite that caliber, but another book I'd pay a days wages for is owned by a fellow dealer....it is Abe Kosoff's personal copy of Judd's pattern book. Kosoff made numerous notes in it, some regarding coins he bought and sold, others about mistakes he found in it. Really cool.

    I just purchased A Bebee's personal copy of the ANA sale inwhich he bought the 1913 Liberty nickel. Don't know what I'll do with it yet, but I'm leaning towards loaning it to the ANA to exhibit with the nickel.

    But neither of these is anywhere as cool as your answer.

    njcoincrank
    www.numismaticamericana.com

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