The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 36, August 21, 2005, Article 4

AMERICAN COINAGE RENAISSANCE 1916-1921

Roger Burdette provided the following information release
on his new book: "Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921,
a new book by Roger W. Burdette, has been released by Seneca
Mill Press LLC, PO Box 1423, Great Falls, VA. The book is the
first detailed research study to examine the new American coinage
designs of 1916 and 1921. It is based on contemporary documents
from government, university and private archives. Renaissance of
American Coinage 1916-1921 tells the complete story of how
artistic improvement of American coinage, begun by Theodore
Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907, was completed
by Saint-Gaudens#39; former assistants.

The 335 page, hardcover book presents fascinating, new
information on virtually every page. Aficionados of the Buffalo
nickel will be surprised to learn that numismatic nemesis Hobbs
Manufacturing Company (which tried to squelch Fraser#39;s new
design), was active in suggesting alterations to Weinman#39;s
“Mercury” dime. Collectors of Standing Liberty quarters will
relish new information on how the coin was designed, including
alternate versions never before presented. The confusion about
why MacNeil covered Liberty#39;s breast on the revised 1917
design is also cleared up. Discussion of the 1916 pattern coins
includes a comprehensive revision of varieties and issue sequence.
(This information was also provided to the editors of the eighth
edition of the Judd pattern book.)

The Peace dollar story is presented in its entirety for the first
time. This includes original drawings and models by several of
the competing artists as well as de Francisci#39;s proposed and
final models. Of special interest will be the last-minute
suppression of the original reverse design and mint engraver
George Morgan#39;s work to save the project from imminent
failure. Lastly, efforts to revise the Peace dollar for large-scale
production of low relief coins is explained along with details of
previously-unidentified pattern and experimental coins. This
section also includes a detailed examination of all varieties of
1921 and 1922 proof Peace dollars.

It may be of interest that Renaissance of American Coinage
1916-1921 (and its companion volumes covering the
1905-1915 period) are extensively footnoted and cross
referenced to one another. The current volume has more
than five hundred document citations and references, ensuring
that future numismatists will be able to locate source documents
for further research.

Copies are available from major numismatic book sellers or
from the publisher at a special pre-publication price of $44.95
through August 25. The cover price is $64.95."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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