NEW BOOK: CHARBNEAU SO-CALLED DOLLARS

Shevlin and his co-author, William D. Hyder, examine the history, art, and architecture of the Golden Gate International Exposition that inspired Jules Charbneau's design for his souvenir gold dollars. They tell Jules Charbneau's life story as well to help the collector better understand the man behind the popular medals, and they uncover his earlier entry into numismatic history when he designed the popular Alaska Gold souvenir medals struck for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909.

The heart of the book is Shevlin's in-depth analysis of the thirteen known varieties of the Charbneau dollar, each personally examined and verified by the senior author. Each variety is illustrated with exceptionally detailed photographs produced by numismatic photographer, Todd Pollack. The images, enlarged 14 times the 12mm diameter of the actual medals, allow the reader the opportunity to fully appreciate the elegance of the design and the artistry of the engraver.

Their story ends by placing the Charbneau so-called dollar within the tradition of small gold exposition souvenirs struck for Farran Zerbe and others in the early 1900s. Although they could not legally be called coins, it is clear that those who issued them marketed them as if they were coins.

Medal specialist, D. Wayne Johnson, says in his Preface for the book, "This is a delightful story about the artist, the event, and the highly collectible little numismatic items. Call them dollars, or call them medals, you are extremely fortunate if you own even one of Charbneau's creations."

Shevlin and Hyder will be at the ANA Library table at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Chicago from 2 to 3 on the afternoon of August 19 to sign copies of their book. They will also deliver a Numismatic Theater presentation earlier that same morning.

The book can be ordered from So-Called Books, 7737 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 250, Carmichael, California 95608. Hardbound, 8 ½ x 11, 94 page, full color editions are $34.95. A signed and numbered collector's leather bound edition, limited to 75 copies, is available for $95. Shipping is $4.50 per book. California orders must add 9.25% sales tax.

For more information visit online at www.So-CalledDollar.com, telephone the firm at (916) 955-2569 or email the business at SoCalledGuy@Hotmail.com.

Wayne Homren, Editor

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