BOOK REVIEW: ALL THAT GLISTERS IS NOT GOLD

After seeing a brief review of this book included in the April 15th, 2020 edition of The E-Sylum newsletter (presumably by a non-numismatist), I was immediately drawn to the story. Having recently read the August 2018 Coin World special edition publication "America's 'Forbidden' Coin", I knew that anyone drawing on the long and checkered past of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle would certainly have a story to tell and All That Glisters Is Not Gold did not disappoint. It's kind of ironic that a fictional portrayal of a coin that has no doubt haunted the lives of many in reality would be written by an author by the name of Stephen King. However, I do digress, this particular account is from a former university dean on the opposite side of the country from the better-known author who in exchange for a review sent me a copy of his work.

Set in the author's native San Francisco, a young man by the name of Lucas Bitterman sets things in motion by coming home to a wife and mother who have just received news of his Gramps' passing. Among his many possessions, Gramps leaves his extensive coin collection which included an almost complete set of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles described as one of the best assembled to his daughter. What Lucas soon finds out is that his Gramps actually did indeed have the complete set when he is notified that he has inherited the coveted and accursed 1933. Having been tasked by his late Gramps to assist his widowed mother with the sale of his collection and to deal with the coin that "needs legal help", Lucas embarks on what becomes quite an adventure to help his mother and decide what he must do with "the" coin. Should he try to maintain ownership? There's the safe deposit box with its contents that could possibly absolve him from any legal ramifications or could it? Should he sell it? How does one sell something so valuable without it raising red flags? Or should he just get rid of it? There has to be some way to dispose of this thing without drawing unwanted attention. Researching the history of the coin, its murky legal background, and its place in history and art, Luke finds himself troubled by what others assume he may have and will stop at nothing to acquire it... even if illegally.

The book is really a fascinating read especially for any numismatist who appreciates the history of this storied coin. Having finished the book over the course of three days with my busy life, I would assume that it could be easily read over a weekend. It truly was a page-turner for me, and I expect it would be for many others. For anyone unfamiliar with the 1933 Saint-Gaudens, I recommend the Coin World publication mentioned above as a prerequisite. This publication is a great primer and would enhance the reader's experience when they read All That Glisters Is Not Gold.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: ALL THAT GLISTERS IS NOT GOLD (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n15a09.html)

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