WHITMAN OFFERS FREE KENNEDY COLLECTIBLES BOOK

John F. Kennedy, the only American president ever honored on a circulating half dollar coin, was born May 29, 1917. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth, Whitman Publishing is offering a free copy of The Kennedy World in Medallic Art: John F. Kennedy and His Family in Medals, Coins, Tokens, and Other Collectibles, by William R. Rice, in a promotion throughout the month of June.

Normally The Kennedy World in Medallic Art is available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide and online for $19.95. From May 29 through June 30, 2017, collectors who spend $25 or more at www.Whitman.com may request a free copy of the 304-page hardcover book by entering code JFK at checkout.

In this monumental book, Kennedy historian William Rice offers fresh insight on the life and times of the president. His exploration includes the history of the Kennedy family; JFK’s boyhood; his military service and early political career; his inauguration and presidency; Jacqueline and the children; life in the White House; the November 1963 assassination; and the world’s mourning and remembrance.

The story is told through touching and insightful essays illustrated by more than 1,500 images including coins, medals, tokens, stamps, and other memorabilia. Many are popular and collectible, like the 1964 silver Kennedy half dollar (with its mintage of 429 million coins) and the recent best-selling 2014 gold Kennedy halves. Other items are rare and seldom seen, and some one-of-a-kind.

“John F. Kennedy is one of the most popular presidents in American history,” says Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Edward Rochette and Aubrey Mayhew started numismatic studies of Kennedy in the 1960s, and William Rice builds on their foundation. Today’s collectors benefit from full-color images and 50 years of ongoing research. Savvy buyers can find many JFK coins, medals, and tokens at local coin shows, flea markets, antique malls, and online.”

Special book sections discuss subjects like satirical and critical pieces; brothers Robert F. and Teddy Kennedy; the Peace Corps; and paper money issued during the Kennedy administration.

Military challenge coins are given extra attention (with more than 180 images) as are foreign and domestic “march” medals, commemorative postage covers, world coins, and medal sets. Rice discusses and illustrates Chinese Hell notes, carved hobo coins, Wedgwood pottery, silver bullion bars, elongated coins, and many of other categories of Kennedy collectibles.

In addition to colorful historical images and narrative, the book’s scholarly appeal is expanded by multiple appendices, a bibliography, and a full index. Collectors benefit from the catalog numbering system and commentary on today’s buy-sell-trade market. A 52-page appendix catalogs more than 2,670 individual items by date, size, composition, and description.

“Historians will remain deeply indebted to William Rice for his gigantic addition to the field of John F. Kennedy medallic art and related historical memorabilia,” says noted Kennedy historian Dr. Gerald J. Steinberg.

The Kennedy World in Medallic Art: John F. Kennedy and His Family in Medals, Coins, Tokens, and Other Collectibles
By William R. Rice; foreword by Dr. Gerald J. Steinberg
ISBN 0794842364
Hardcover, 8.5 x 11 inches · 304 pages · Full color
Retail $19.95 U.S.

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