Books on Coins

Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness By Fred Reed

Wizard Coin Supply — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:08:43 +0000

Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness is a remarkable creation. Harold Holzer, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (and cochairman of the United States Lincoln Bicentennial Commission), calls it “interesting and compelling,” saying that “Reed’s commentary and the arrangement and choice of imagery make Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness a very worthwhile and elegant project.”

Dr. Thomas Turner, longtime editor-in-chief of the Lincoln Herald (the oldest continuously published journal devoted to the life and career of Abraham Lincoln), calls it “a unique study” that “makes a significant contribution to the field.” Reed draws on his own unparalleled collection of Lincoln numismatic items, illustrating the book with hundreds of full-color images sure to delight the collector and historian. These are joined by engravings and daguerreotypes, old film stills, a never-before-published oil painting, magazine covers, political cartoons, and a host of other images. They are poignant, provocative, profound, sometimes puzzling; individually fascinating and collectively illuminating.

Dr. Turner, in the book’s foreword, muses on the potential for Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness to bridge the gap between mainstream historical study and numismatics:

“American historians may conclude, like our colleagues in other fields, that while we have learned a great deal about Lincoln from manuscript sources, there are other ways of approaching our 16th president. If Fred Reed’s book moves the study of currency and other images away from the realm of specialists and makes it more available to mainstream Lincoln studies, then his book will provide a definite service.”

Whether you’re a student of Civil War history, a collector of Lincoln memorabilia, or an enthusiast of American popular media, Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness is sure to delight you and make you think.
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Publication Date: February 24, 2009
Size: 8.5×11
Pages: 288

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Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins By Q. David Bowers

Wizard Coin Supply — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:59:05 +0000

From Q. David Bowers comes a book so comprehensive and authoritative that only the “Dean of American Numismatics” could have created it! Drawing on the expertise of dozens of specialists from around the world, plus Bowers’s own vast knowledge of the subject, the Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins includes:

* Chapter 1: Money in Early America
* Chapter 2: Minting and Distribution
* Chapter 3: Collecting Colonial Coins
* Chapter 4: How to Use This Book
* Chapter 5: Silver Coins of Massachusetts
* Chapter 6: British Coins and Tokens for America, Early Issues
* Chapter 7: American Coins and Tokens from 1783 to 1788
* Chapter 8: Other Early American Pieces
* Chapter 9: European Coins and Tokens for America, Later Issues
* Chapter 10: Early Washington Coins and Tokens
* Chapter 11: Unrelated Foreign Coins
* Chapter 12: 19th Century Colonial Copies and Fantasies
* Selected Bibliography
* Index

This is the new definitive reference on colonial and early American coins and tokens, and related issues. Full color and fully illustrated with hundreds of detailed photographs.
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Publication Date: February 24, 2009
Size: 8.5 x 11
Pages: 352

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A Guide Book of the Official Red Book of United States Coins

Wizard Coin Supply — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:49:14 +0000

The Guide Book of the Official Red Book of United States Coins offers a history of coin price guides, leading up to the best-selling numismatic reference of all time: the legendary “Red Book.” Longtime collector Frank J. Colletti explores the foundation laid by R.S. Yeoman, and then studies each Red Book issued since 1946.

Regular editions, special editions, authorized editions, and errors are all examined in detail. Colletti tells what to look for and how to build and care for a collection of Red Books. He discusses Red Book - related medals and other collectibles. Kenneth Bressett, Q. David Bowers, and other numismatists offer their personal recollections of the famous coin reference guide that has sold more than 22 million copies.
Binding: Paperback

Edition: 1st
Publication Date: March 2009
Size: 6×9
Pages: 304

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The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2010

Wizard Coin Supply — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:25:51 +0000

The Official Red Book®—A Guide Book of United States Coins—enters its 63rd year with no sign of slowing down! Americans nation-wide look to this “one-volume library” to tell them how rare their coins are and how much they’re worth. Collectors rely on it for its full-color photographs and detailed technical data.

The Red Book covers the history and values of colonial and early American coins, half cents through silver dollars and gold, commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, errors, Civil War tokens, territorial gold, state quarters, presidential dollars, and other U.S. coins, with essays on Counterfeits, grading, investing, auctions, and more.

Pricing for more than 6,000 individual coins More than 700 full–color photographs Updated values, mintages, and auction records Expanded coverage of commemoratives, sets, and other coins New state quarters and Presidential dollars First Spouses gold bullion coins 24k gold American Buffalo bullion coins.

Purchase the Latest Redbook Here

Red Book Coin Values

Red Book coin values are found in the most widely used price guide available today. Originally published in 1946 by Whitman Books, A Guide Book of United States Coins: The Official Red Book of U.S. Coins, a.k.a., the Red Book, is the yearly guide that most collectors turn to first for essential information about their coins, including retail pricing. The first Red Book was written by Richard S. Yeoman and current editions are still edited by Kenneth Bressett, a colleague of Yeoman’s who has been working on every edition since 1959.

Current Red Books come with full-color photographs and detailed technical information, which help collectors discern and understand the values of their coins. The Red Book is the primary reference guide for coin collectors. Updated yearly, Red Book coin values also explain the history of certain coins as well as select records for coins sold at auction.

The Red Book is an invaluable tool for coin collectors and is still the most significant U.S. coin pricing guide in print today. At WizardCoinSupply.com, we have great prices on the Red Book as well as every other type of coin book and coin pricing guide you might need. If you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact us and a member of our staff will be happy to help you.

Binding Options Available: Hidden Spiral, Spiral, Hardcover, Large Print

Edition: 63rd
Publication Date: April 7, 2009
Size: 5.25×7.75
Pages: 432

World’s Greatest Mint Errors by Mike Byers

CoinLink — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:19:25 +0000

World’s Greatest Mint Errors is an enjoyable resource packed full of some of the most dramatic, rare and extraordinary mint errors and die trials ever assembled in one publication.

This book combines stunning imagery with the most accurate information available to provide anyone interested in mint errors with the latest information on mint error coins from the United States and around the world. Hundreds of spectacular mint errors are pictured. Each error coin photo is presented in full color, and enlarged to enhance the smallest details. Some of the error coins featured in this book have never been seen by the public before, and each is described in great detail as to the type of error, the assigned grade, rarity and estimated value.

· First published book on mint errors that accurately lists retail values.
· Accessible to any coin collector or numismatist, regardless of experience.
· Up to date with the latest information on new discoveries and new types of errors.
· Hundreds of rare, expensive, and famous coins to excite all collectors.
· Will educate and raise awareness in this fascinating area of numismatics.

The release of World’s Greatest Mint Errors will ignite an interest in non-collectors and advanced collectors alike. This book is a must have for every numismatic library!

Releasing on May 15th, look for copies of World’s Greatest Mint Errors at your local coin shop, or visit www.amazon.com. You can also order from Zyrus Press by mailing to PO Box 17810, Irvine, California 92623, calling (888) 622-7823, or online at www.zyruspress.com.

Lincoln Cent Matte Proofs By Kevin Flynn

Wizard Coin Supply — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:42:39 +0000

The only book devoted entirely to matte proof Lincoln Cents. Over 250 color and black and white photos provide die diagnostics descriptions to identify and authenticate matte proof Lincoln Cents. Included are die state diagnostics and photographs of previously unpublished diagnostics and die combinations.

The book also presents an analysis of the striking characteristics of Lincoln Cent matte proofs. Lincoln Cent matte proofs were struck on a hydrolic press at much greater pressure than that used for ordinary business strikes. Side-by-side comparison photographs of matte proofs and early die state business strikes show the details of primary design elements, rims, edges and corners. Different striking characteristics were found for each year on the design elements while the rims and edges were similar in width, flatness and general appearance for most years. The primary difference on most years was the sharpness of the corners on matte proofs. For other years, the corners on the business strikes were also sharp. This book helps the reader understand what to expect on a matte proof cent on a year-by-year basis.

The date-by-date analysis presented for the series includes an analysis of striking characteristics, surface characteristics, scarcity, general comments, Heritage auction prices realized, current values and certified population counts.

A detailed analysis of all the silver and minor proof issues from 1909 to 1916 includes all delivery dates for each series. This information shows how many coins were delivered and how they were distributed, whether in minor sets, silver sets, or individually. Archive letters are also included that show how many collectors did not get 1909 VDB proof coins and were upset that the mint did not notify collectors of the availability of the new proof coins.
Binding: Paperback

Edition: 1st
Publication Date: March 2009
Size: 8.5×11
Pages: 128

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The Authoritative Reference on Comemorative Coins, 1892-1954

Wizard Coin Supply — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:04:04 +0000

The primary objective of this book is to present a detailed historical account surrounding the images used on commemorative coins struck between 1892 and 1954. These images are history frozen in time; a story told through the hands of a sculptor. They represent an important and powerful part of their lure. Understanding the background and symbolism increases the enjoyment in collecting them.

Included for each commemorative coin is a description of the design, historical facts related to the images, origin of the coin, the striking characteristics and wear points, distribution, any information regarding proofs, general comments, values, Heritage auction prices realized, certified population from PCGS and NGC. Also included from the Annual Mint Reports for many of the commemoratives is a general description of the designs used, number of coins struck during the calendar year and fiscal years, and for some series the number of dies used is given. Also included are detailed photographs for many doubled dies and RPMs, some of which have never been presented before.

The secondary objective was to present all Mint and National Archive documents related to commemorative coins. These documents represent the facts presented by those who created our history and were responsible for making the decisions. For commemorative coins, National Archives records are primarily up through 1904 with some records up through 1920. Some of these letters found present detailed accounts of the decisions made.

For example, one letter stated that number 2 through 101 coins struck for the Columbian half dollars were struck as proofs. Another letter presented where the images of Columbus were obtained. Another letter stated that all Isabella blanks were polished. Yet another letter stated that two two-and-a-half dollar gold coins and two fifty-dollar gold coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and delivered to the Panama-Pacific Exposition. These letters are important in presenting an accurate historical account of these coins. Commission of Fine Arts records started in 1910 and contain many important documents between individuals responsible for creating these commemorative coins, including the individuals or group who sponsored the coin, designer, Director of the Mint, Superintendent of the Philadelphia and Branch Mints, Chief Coiner, Secretary of the Treasury, Congressmen, Senators, members of the Commission of Fine Arts, and other important individuals. These letters tell the story of the coins and and are important in understanding the facts surrounding them.

A few articles are included, some of which give details presented by the individual who designed the coin. The John Sinnock Estate Sale from 1962 is included as it presents a few commemorative coins that were listed as proofs in the catalog. The Authorization Acts are presented for each commemorative coin to present Congress’s view, limitations, and control over the commemorative coins authorized.
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Publication Date: December 26, 2008
Size: 8.5×11
Pages: 360

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A Guide Book of Gold Dollars

CoinLink — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:08:27 +0000

By Q. David Bowers with foreword by David Akers.

A Guide Book of United States Gold Dollars is the latest entry in Whitman’s Bowers Series.

It includes a chronicle of the nation’s smallest gold coin; an inside look at mints and the minting process; discussion of Proofs; advice on collecting gold dollars; tips on how to be a smart buyer.

full-color illustrations
a coin-by-coin study of Type I, Type II, and Type III gold dollars
valuations and population data

Includes an appendix of record auction prices; a selected bibliography; and more - all written in an engaging and informative style.

Full Color, 6×9 Softcover, 288 Pages, Fully Indexed.

Available through Whitman Publishing Web Site - Price: $19.95

Grading Coins by Photographs

CoinLink — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:29:24 +0000

No subject is more important to the rare-coin collector or investor than grading. Learning to grade the right way can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Now, award-winning professional numismatist Q. David Bowers has written a unique set of step-by-step grading instructions for every U.S. coin, from half cents to double eagles.

He explains the evolution of grading standards, how to “read” a coin’s surfaces, expert techniques, smart buying tips, aspects of today’s marketplace, and more. This detailed, insightful text is combined with hundreds of high-resolution color photographs to help you grade your entire coin collection.

Here’s what the experts are saying about this revolutionary new book:

“Grading Coins by Photographs is magnificent! A must-read for today’s sophisticated collector. This will be the most important grading book in my numismatic library.”
—John Albanese, cofounder of PCGS, NGC, and CAC

Grading Coins by Photographs will be available before Thanksgiving 2008. It has 384 pages, is spiralbound for ease of use, and is illustrated in full color. It covers circulated, Mint State, and Proof coins. The retail price is $19.95.

Available from Whitman Publishing

In Yankee Doodle’s Pocket: The Myth, Magic and Politics of Money in Early America,

CoinLink — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:14:04 +0000

Will Nipper’s new book, In Yankee Doodle’s Pocket: The Myth, Magic and Politics of Money in Early America, offers fresh perspectives on America’s celebrated ascent from disparate colonial outposts to sovereign power. Through the day-to-day instruments of trade and commerce, this work reveals the myriad threads of culture and hidden history that together wove a new nation. Based on years of research, the associated facts, legends and theories are presented in a conversational narrative that all audiences can read and appreciate.

In Yankee Doodle’s Pocket links everyday objects with the larger-than-life people, events, societies and upheavals that brought them into existence. The tale begins with the earliest European forays into the wilderness and ends with the 1840 dawning of America’s industrial age. In the frontier beginning, barter monies sprang from fields, forests and oceans. In the end monotonously uniform coins and printed paper spewed from urban factories born of the Industrial Revolution. Until then, America’s coins and paper currency were works of art, as beautiful in their simplicity and hand-crafted variation as their European counterparts were in sophisticated perfection. These objects reveal an America that was surprisingly cosmopolitan and commercial from the start. They helped communicate ideas, foster expansion and enable transformation.

Available from Bowmanstone Press $58.95 + Shipping & Handling.

SBN 978-0-9816638-0-7
Size: 8.5 x 11 inches, 576 pages, 4 lbs. 6 ounces
Binding: Premium hardcover, sewn, copper foil stamping on front and spine