NEW BOOK: COMMEMORATIVE COIN TALES

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V23 2020 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 23, Number 31, August 2, 2020, Article 5

Peter Jones recently published a new book on U.S. commemorative coins. -Editor

COMMEMORATIVE COIN TALES
Hardback letter size landscape format, 372 pages. Foreword by Ken Bressett. Profuse color illustrations, fully indexed with glossary. © 2019

A collection of US Classic Commemorative coins. This book explores the history behind 72 US coins — the sculptors, the promotors, the politicians and the history. Each vignette is a fascinating four-page night-time read.

If you would like a copy please mail your name and address, and a check for $79 (includes US mailing) to Peter Jones, Box 1, Windham Center, CT 06280

Here's an excerpt from Ken Bressett's excellent Foreword to the book. -Editor

In ancient times, long before newspapers or any expedient means of mass communications, coins were extensively used to spread messages far and wide. The designs were simple and easy to interpret by even the illiterate. They identified the current rulers, gods and goddesses, ongoing wars and victors, and whatever propaganda the issuing authority wanted to convey. Modern commemorative coins are similar in many ways in their role of recording art, history, geography and politics in an artistic form.

In reading this book you are about to embark on a journey through the history and meaning of a group of special commemorative coins made in the United States to honor persons, places and events dear to the hearts of Americans. I am sure you will find the author's descriptions and comments both educational and inspiring. Perhaps it will stimulate you to delve even further into the entertaining world of numismatics to discover for yourself the multitude of stories that exist for coins of all stripes from all ages, as well as for all countries. It is a pursuit that has unfortunately been ignored by far too many, and way too often.

What you are about to see is one man's journey into the fascinating world of numismatics. His passion for the subject is obvious, and likely infectious. His intent in writing this account is to inspire and pass on to his family some of the reasons he has dedicated part of his busy life to the study and collecting of these very special coins. His experience had its own flavor and direction as seems to be true of most of us who delve into the expansive world of numismatics. There are no set rules or boundaries to the way collectors enjoy the hobby. Each sets his or her own course and objectives. Each derives from the experience a sense of satisfaction, pleasure and achievement consistent with the amount of time and effort invested. Research has shown that having an absorbing hobby is not only a healthy pursuit but also fosters a happy long life. I would encourage all who read this book to look even further into the subject and discover for yourself the rich rewards of numismatic study.

I have a copy of the book and can attest that it's quite impressive. The oblong hardcover book is sturdy and heavy, and arrived well-protected in boxed double bubble wrap. The pages are glossy heavy stock and loaded with great large-size color photos not just of coins, but of the people, places and artifacts making up the fascinating stories behind many of these classic coins. The 11-page index makes finding topics easy.

One item I wasn't aware of was the $1,000 ornamental presentation box President McKinley had made in order to present the first Lafayette Dollar to French President Emile Loubet (p221). The book is full of interesting facts and photos like this, making it well worth a read even by those certain they're already learned all there is to know about the subject. Peter Jones proves that a new set of eyes can often locate details overlooked or glossed over in earlier publications. Recommended for any student of U.S. numismatics. -Editor

THE BOOK BAZARRE

RENAISSANCE OF AMERICAN COINAGE: Wizard Coin Supply is the official distributor for Roger Burdette's three volume series that won NLG Book of the Year awards for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Contact us for dealer or distributor pricing at www.WizardCoinSupply.com .