NEW BOOK: RESTRIKES+NOVODELS+PATTERNS

Restrikes+Novodels+Patterns is a research summary designed to convey to future numismatists and historians the present state of knowledge as determined from original research by the author. It is intended to open a path toward meaningful, objective analysis largely free of baseless speculation, assumption and exaggeration commonly associated with this subject.

Herein, the reader will find no collection of moldy anecdotes; no auction lot descriptions concocted to extract exaggerated bids; no cynical whispered insinuations of "midnight minting" conspiracies. The origins of some of these "traditional anecdotes" will, however, become evident to readers. Rather, the author places documented facts within their historical context, and relates them to Philadelphia Mint operations of the same era. It is a study of the subject by motivation, action and results. This book is, then, a dissection of the restriking of American coins and pattern pieces; a revelation of American numismatic intent, purpose; carelessness, generosity, foolishness and preservation contributing to the construction of a more-or-less complete entity which others may explore, expand, and correct.

In many respects Restrikes+Novodels+Patterns could not have been written before 2024. The extent and availability of historical documents was insufficient to support collection and analysis of this complex story in sufficient detail to make sense. Further complicating U.S. Mint research is the scattered nature of materials within the National Archives and Records Administration system. This is a product of inconsistency and apathy within the Treasury Department and the Mint Bureau in historical record management and organization. As with previous research projects, the author has studied existing literature, but placed it aside so that newer information could be analyzed free of bias. Only after both existing and new scenarios were correlated was it possible to produce a clearer picture of events.

The book was originally intended to be published only in digital format; however, when discussing the project with collectors at the August ANA Convention it became evident that a majority preferred a printed book and intended to use the volume as a reference.

Restrikes+Novodels+Patterns will be sent for printing the week of October 4 and copies are expected to be ready for delivery by end of the month.

The distributor is Wizard Coin Supply, Chantilly, Virginia. Price has not been determined as of this date.

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web