NEW BOOK: SAINT PATRICK COINAGE

MAY 27, 2018 – today, The Colonial Coin Collectors Club, (C4), released Sydney F. Martin’s latest book, Saint Patrick Coinage For Ireland and New Jersey. This is the fourth book published by C4 that has been written by Syd Martin, the former editor of the C4 Newsletter and current President of The American Numismatic Society. His other works are The Rosa Americana Coinage of William Wood, The Hibernia Coinage of William Wood, and French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America. These books are all considered the standard references for these series today.

Syd’s latest work covers a series that has long vexed researchers on both sides of the Atlantic – the St. Patrick coinage. In researching this book Syd traveled to Ireland and spent many hours in the archives in New Jersey in search of clues, discovering some fascinating answers and developing several new theories regarding the coinage. This coinage has long been shrouded in mystery as to when and where it was made, and for what purpose. Syd discusses the theories that have been proposed so far, and the pros and cons of each plus some exciting new theories of his own.

According to Lou Jordan, the Curator of Numismatic Collections for the University of Notre Dame, this book is “groundbreaking!” Phil Mossman, former editor of The Colonial Newsletter (CNL), writes that “Syd has described in detail the visual imagery and icons symbolized on these coins by hand-engraved dies. A total of 197 varieties of small St. Patrick coins have been meticulously cataloged by him and presented in an easy to follow format.” Mossman went on to state that “the nine varieties of large St. Patrick coppers, identified as a separate entity, are equally well presented.” Christopher McDowell, editor of CNL, states that “this is the most important book on colonial numismatics to be published in many years. It is doubtful that this book will ever be surpassed in its coverage of the series. If you collect St. Patrick coinage or are interested in colonial numismatics, this book is a must-have.”

In many ways this work is a collaborative effort, helped by many collectors who shared access to their St. Patrick collections for Syd to examine and photograph. The result is the first complete and illustrated catalogue of all known varieties in the series; unlike Syd’s earlier three books, this one features color photographs. Other topics covered include the manufacturing history of the coins, literary discussion of the series, a history of their circulation in America, and a fascinating Appendix that includes what Syd calls “Miscellany.” According to Phil Mossman, what Syd calls “Miscellany” is actually “well-researched inquiries into the lineage of an elusive series.” C4 is very proud to publish this book and its long association with Syd Martin.

The 528 page book is hardbound, with color illustrations throughout of the different coin varieties examined, with dust jacket. Saint Patrick Coinage: For Ireland and New Jersey, by Sydney F. Martin, is available for $95 for C4 members or $125 for nonmembers of C4, plus $7.25 shipping from bookseller Charles Davis, (numisbook.com), Box 1, Wenham, MA 01984, or telephone 978.468-2933

For more information, or to order, see:
http://www.numisbook.com/

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