The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 15, April 10, 2005, Article 10

TECHNOLOGY AND THE NUMISMATIC LITERATURE MARKET

Michael Sullivan writes: "The advent and expansion of our
electronic culture has been a contributor to work place
productivity, communication efficiency like our weekly
E-Sylum, and access to information. However, the same
technology may have a partial value erosion effect on mid-
priced numismatic collectibles in the $150 - $300 range.
For example, Elmer's History of the Early Settlement and
Progress of Cumberland County, New Jersey, and of the
Currency of this and the Adjoining Colonies, 1869
(Davis, 373) is now available on CD ROM for $16 vs. a
typical auction price of $200. Do E-Sylum readers have
any other similar examples?"

[I would also like to hear our readers' thoughts on the subject,
but for me, there will always be a place in the market for
original copies of literature. Yes, the availability of an
electronic version could affect the decision of many buyers,
but bibliophiles will still prefer an original. After all, there are
numerous outlets where one can find high-quality images of
coins and currency, yet that doesn't make having an original
less desirable. Nor does the existence of superb Gallery Mint
reproductions seem to hurt the market for say, original Chain
cents. To hold an original copy of Crosby's Early Coins of
America, or nicely bound price and named 19th century
auction catalog is to have a direct connection to those who
came before us in this wonderful hobby. A facsimile is nice,
but just not the same.

The following item is somewhat related to this discussion,
but in the case of print-on-demand, there are no "originals"
-Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization 
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor 
at this address: whomren@coinlibrary.com

To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum