TO INSCRIBE OR NOT TO INSCRIBE

I have been following the threads regarding signed/personalized books with a touch of disappointment. I am greatly disappointed to learn of this apparent trend or preference that only well-known or accomplished numismatists are worthy of a personalized book. Over the years I have drifted in and out of numismatics, normally drifting out as a result of the us/them mentality that has been very pervasive in some corners of the hobby. Finding acceptance in our hobby can often be daunting. Just a few short weeks ago, the hobby headlines were nervously wringing collective hands over the aging numismatic demographic. Commentators were asking, "Where are the collectors going?" When faced with a numismatic elitism that surfaces in sentiments such as this, it should be no surprise that many drift other directions.

As my own desire in medals continues to grow, the purchases for my numismatic library have taken a new direction. Last summer I even had the great honor of dipping my toe into the water with a presentation at Anaheim. Yet I am not widely known in numismatics, and I am not considered an established numismatist. Does this mean than I am less worthy of establishing a relationship with an author? Do I not dare seek entry into the club via the affirmation of a fellow writer? Fortunately for me, the vast majority of medal collectors/researchers/writers I have encountered have been very kind, collaborative, even selfless.

It seems this is not universal across the hobby. Where are the collectors going, indeed?

I know of no such trend or preference and had to go back and read the earlier thread started by Ken Berger who wrote, "Personally, I like books signed by the author but not books which also include a written dedication to a specific individual." That was the first I'd heard of a preference either way on a written dedication. My response was, "I generally like personalized inscriptions, and if the recipient is a known numismatist, all the better." So far, no snubs made or intended.

Gary's response last week included this: "I am tempted to avoid adding a personal note if the buyer is not known in the numismatic field. I can see the reasoning on both your part and Editor Wayne’s who favors books which have been signed to a noteworthy numismatist."

This is what Lee is referring to. By "all the better" I intended a mild positive for those who are known in the field, not anything negative against those less so. Gary used the word "favors" to describe my view. Here are his thoughts and some additional information about how author signatures and dedications and seen in the larger book world. Thanks! -Editor

I don’t think it is about noted numismatists being worthy of a personalized book, but the personalized book being more valuable because of the connection of the author and the friend he or she salutes.

I did some research on signing books universally – not numismatically. Here are some of what appear to be fundamentals of signed books, separate from limited editions, which we can address also.

The book field has some categories of signed books: Not all signatures are created equal. In fact, signatures or autographs and the inscriptions accompanying them fall into different categories.

“Signed” means the book is signed by its author or editor. It has no personalization. Generally speaking, signed books are desired by collectors, and a signature can enhance the value of the book. I presume this is the case in numismatics where ‘rare’ and ‘scarce’ are a part of the hobby?

A dated signature is considered worthwhile, especially if the date is close to the date of the book’s publication. Some dealers will point out that a book is “signed in the year of publication.”)

It appears that just a signature in a book is potentially more valuable than one that also says “Best wishes to _______________.

An “association copy” is a book signed by the author, is addressed to a specific individual connected to him or her. This is often another writer, a well-known person, or someone else connected to the author. The term can also refer to a book owned by famous person or someone involved with the author. The closer the connection, the more it can enhance the book’s value.

A “dedication copy” is one which the author has signed for the person to whom the book is dedicated. This is clearly a rare version of an autographed book. Signatures naturally tend to be more common than inscriptions and/or association copies.

An “inscribed” book is personalized — addressed to a specific person. If the person isn’t closely associated with the author, the inscription usually does not add much to a book’s value. Contemporary authors often do book signings when they go on tour, thereby increasing the number of signed books in existance and decreasing the value of such signed copies.

A book signed as a gift by someone other than the author: Gift inscriptions detract from a collectible book’s value. This means that if you are giving a potentially valuable book as a gift, it is best to just slip in a card with your gift notation rather than to write on the book.

An autopen signature is often seen with presidential materials. An autopen is a machine used for the automatic signing of a signature. This isn’t really a signature and doesn’t add anything to the value of the book.

An author’s signature may or may not add to the value of a book
If a book is signed by the author, it may be worth more than an unsigned copy. The difference could be large, moderate, or negligible, depending upon the book. There’s no rule. If the author is popular, but his or her signatures are scarce, there will be a greater demand. Collectors note if the author is alive or dead. A dead writer means no more books will be getting signed. Value is also based on whether the author signed a lot of books or just a few, and the desirability of the book itself.

Books signed by heavily-collected authors are much-desired. For example, every one of the thousands of collectors of Harry Potter literature would love to have a signed book by J. K. Rowling in their collection. I don’t know if she is a prolific signer of her books.

For modern novels with authors still living, a signature will add somewhat to the price – perhaps 10% to 25% percent is estimated. If the signature is very scarce, it may be worth more. The amount varies depending upon the book and author and how easy that signed book is to find. However, an unknown writer’s signature, and his unknown book, are likely not objects of desire for book collectors.

Considerations of limited edition books:
A limited edition book is one where the number of copies in the print run has been strictly defined prior to its issue, and that number is substantially less than a standard print run, and then no further print runs are issued after the first printing has sold out. A limited edition book does not automatically become rare, collectible or valuable. The number of copies printed must be evaluated as supply can outstrip demand, holding down future value.

Limited editions are designed to be collectible. Owners are far less likely to allow damage or thumbing of their collectors’ items so a larger percentage will be in top condition after many years.

A rare book with less than 26 copies can be a lettered, rather than numbered edition. Each book has a different letter of the alphabet. Some lettered editions are limited to 52 copies and individualized with upper and lower case letters.

Limited editions can also be stand alone releases such as a novella or a short story where the limited edition is the only time the author plans to release that work for purchase. Alternately a limited edition may be published along with with a standard print run. The limited edition would contain additional features such as better quality paper, extra illustrations, author signatures, different cover art, a slip case, or some other type of benefit or feature that is not normally included in a book from that author or publisher.