NEW BOOK: THE WHITMAN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COLONIAL AND EARLY AMERICAN COINS
The E-Sylum (1/25/2009)
Book Content
Dennis Tucker of Whitman Publishing forwarded a copy of the latest Whitman Review, which features a number of upcoming books. Perhaps the most anticipated title is The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers. -Editor
George Fuld, numismatic author and researcher:
I think we finally have something that will replace Sylvester S. Crosby’s Early American Coins—in spades!
The coins and tokens of colonial America and the early United States present a unique chronicle of the birth of the United States. They bear witness to Paul Revere, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. . . to distant European tyrants bent on empire, and cash-strapped merchants trying to make a living. If these historic coins could speak, they would tell of generations of hardworking, independent, and innovative Americans, both famous and obscure.
Collectors of these fascinating coins have never had a single, authoritative reference for guidance—until now. Q. David Bowers, the “Dean of American Numismatics”—drawing on the expertise of dozens of specialists from around the country—has written a book so comprehensive and authoritative that it redefines the genre. The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins explores:
- Collecting, grading, and attributing colonial coins
- Money in early America
- Minting and distribution
- Silver coins of Massachusetts
- Early British coins and tokens for America
- American coins and tokens from 1783 to 1788
- Other early American pieces
- Later European coins and tokens for America
- Early George Washington coins and tokens
- Related foreign coins
- 19th-century colonial copies and fantasies
Bowers’s engaging text is supported by nearly 2,000 full-color photographs, “Easy Find Guides” for identifying varieties, extensive auction data, market values and commentary, historical price trends, rarities, a selected bibliography, and a comprehensive index with more than 700 entries.
Here’s what the experts are saying:
“Dave Bowers’s encyclopedic knowledge and devotion to American colonial and Confederation coinage are now transferred into a published encyclopedia for everyone to enjoy—so he can continue to write on even more topics.” —Eric P. Newman, numismatic researcher and author
“The Whitman Encyclopedia is a wonderful, and much needed, platform for encouraging the historical research of our colonial time period.” —Ray Williams, president, Colonial Coin Collectors Club
“Finally, after 200 years, those interested in early American coins have an up-to-date book on all known die varieties. Q. David Bowers has once again given the numismatic world a great gift.” —Richard August, state and Fugio die-variety specialist
“The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins is very easy to read, while presenting a great deal of useful information. I especially like the finding guides included for the major series. Bowers’s discussion of the Massachusetts coppers is one of the best I have read.” —Louis E. Jordan III, Head of Special Collections and Medieval Institute Library, University of Notre Dame
“A reference such as this has been needed for a long time. None of the standard references of the past are satisfactory. The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins is a welcome addition to the libraries of colonial specialists as well as the more general collector of American coins—and I can’t think of anyone better qualified than Q. David Bowers to accomplish this effort.” —Sydney Martin, Connecticut copper specialist, editor, Colonial Coin Collectors Club Newsletter
“Dave Bowers has written the book that collectors of colonial and early American coinage have waited 150 years to read—covering expert information with authority, yet written with such marvelous clarity that even novice collectors will find it indispensable.” —Joel J. Orosz, numismatic researcher and author
“What an incredible, immensely useful, and important book Dave Bowers has put together!” —Roger Siboni, president, American Numismatic Society
The 352-page ; 8.5 x 11 hardcover book is illustrated in Full color and retails for $49.95.