Speaking of Bavaria, David Klinger suggested a new E-Sylum topic: Unusual numismatic books. In 2004 he wrote an article for the MPC Gram about one unusual book he owns, and later posted a blog entry about it. Here are some excerpts. -Editor

This is an unusual book inside a "coin". The coin is two shells which fit together much like an old-time pill box (2" x 1/4"). The book is a 30 page fan-fold book with disc shaped pages and a ribbon binding. The pictures and text of the book depict heroes of the era (1914/16),and various battles and home front themes.

Obverse coin legend: LUDWIG III, KING OF BAVARIA
Reverse coin legend: IN LOYAL CELEBRATION, BAVARIAN THALER, 1914/16
The title page of the book reads: DEDICATED TO OUR COURAGEOUS BAVARIA IN LOYALTY AND GRATITUDE
The end page reads: TO THE MEMORY OF THE GREAT WAR, [with blank lines to enter names etc.]

Below is another image David forwarded. We have discussed a few unusual numismatic books in the past, but now's a good time to reopen the subject. Tell us your candidates for most unusual numismatic book! -Editor

This begs another general question: just what is a book? Webster says: A volume made up of written or printed pages fastened along one side and encased between protective covers. Is a book of matches with printing on the paper matches really a book? How about an e-book (Kindle) etc.?

THE BOOK BAZARRE

DAVID F. FANNING NUMISMATIC LITERATURE offers rare and out of print material on numismatics from around the world. For our ANA book catalogue, from which much remains available, see our Web site at www.fanningbooks.com .