BOOK REVIEW: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COIN AND MEDAL TECHNOLOGY

The numismatic world has recently been abuzz over the promise of a definitive new reference work covering the art and technology of coin and medal making. All too few chroniclers have attempted to explain and describe the intricacies of how the objects of our special interest are produced, much less catalog the jargon that has been held, often rather secretly, by those who ply this ancient art.

I recently spent some pleasant time getting acquainted with Dick Johnson’s incredible new book project. This looks like the work of a lifetime and is bound to be an indispensable reference for every serious numismatist. I cannot say enough good things about it, even if it is still in an unfinished stage. I am convinced that when replete with illustrations and whatever else may be added, it will set a new standard for encyclopedic publications.

Johnson’s Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology is a hefty 8.5” x 11” tome with 671 pages (at this time) and is packed with “everything anyone would ever need to know” about the technical side of how these items are made, and what they should properly be called when we write or speak of them. The author has done an extraordinary job capturing so much information, and presenting it in a useful form. It is obviously a labor of love reflecting a lifetime of interest in his chosen field.

Although medals are not my forte, I know that this reference is one that will be used frequently and be an essential addition to any home library. I felt honored and very pleased to receive an early copy of Dick’s manuscript for review and comments. I have no doubt that this work, replete with additional observations from his many friends and specialists will become a classic.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NEW BOOK: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COIN AND MEDAL TECHNOLOGY (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n17a05.html)
BOOK REVIEW: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COIN AND MEDAL TECHNOLOGY (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n20a05.html)

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