The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 50, December 9, 2007, Article 10

BOOK REVIEW: THE 100 GREATEST AMERICAN MEDALS AND TOKENS

[John and Nancy Wilson of Ocala, FL submitted this review
of 'The 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens' by Katherine
Jaeger and Q. David Bowers.  -Editor]

The 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens written by
Katherine Jaeger and Q. David Bowers is a well-written
coffee table style book with superb photographs and
excellent printing.  A book like this normally sells in
the $75 to $100 range and therefore its price of only
$29.95 makes it a bargain.

<From the 1776 Libertas Americana medal, which we personally
feel is the most beautiful medal ever produced to the lowly
1944 O.P.A. token, which is certainly one of the poorest
tokens as far as looks and production, the authors endeavour
to show, not just the most beautiful medals and tokens, but
the most important pieces to the American public and numismatic
collectors.  In 1944 every American was aware of these O.P.A.
tokens and used them daily to purchase most of the commodities
in short supply due to the war needs.  In this sense they
were one of the most important tokens in American history.

Much additional information about each piece is given along
with the current estimated market value for the piece.  In
addition photographs and information is given for associated
pieces such as the three cent Feuchtwanger pieces to go along
with the one cent Feuchtwanger piece.

The book gives a good overview of the entire token and medal
series as the pieces are important to all Americans.  All
readers will not agree what "greatest" means and certainly
will not agree on what pieces should be included.  This is
part of the discussion by readers as to what they would
personally have on the list.

We enjoyed reading this useful reference and recommend it
highly to not only numismatists but non collectors as well.

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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