The absolute finest publication I've ever seen for this particular
numismatic niche (small wonder they're now on the 8th edition). The
meticulous research is impressive. Anyone interested in becoming an
expert of US pattern coins, experimental, or trial pieces, ought to make
this their #1 textbook. The massive body of data justifies the $20+
(new) at
Amazon.
"Edited by the dean of American
numismatics, Q. David Bowers, the 8th edition of U.S. Pattern Coins,
Experimental and Trial Pieces features expanded listings and updated prices.
Included in the listings are rarity numbers, population reports and auction
appearances (incl. date, amount and grade) and valuations by grade.
Hundreds of black & white illustrations aid in identification. This is
the essential reference work for this highly specialized area of numismatics."
Can there possibly be a more authoritative, comprehensive work on pattern,
experimental, and trial coins? I doubt it. The content is
fabulous.
Pattern coins, et al., are covered from the
beginning of US coinage.
A glossary of every term you ever wanted to
know regarding the subject matter is included.
The basics of each coin discussed is boiled down to a one-line summary
called the "Whitman Coin Grid". The info outlined here includes
metallic composition, edge type, rarity listing, how many times graded by
NGC or PCGS, how many times sold at significant auctions since 1990, last
time sold at auction and selling price, and estimated purchase price for
grades 60, 63, and 65. The promo material put out by the publisher
does not exaggerate. They ain't just a braggin'.
Heavily footnoted, for the benefit of
numismatists wanting to delve into detailed minutiae of the highest order. If
that's not you, just skip the footnotes. You won't miss out on the
most important elements of the book.
Tons of photos, all black and white.
Most of the photos are a little small, but with this much material at this
price, who can expect large color photos, too?
Organized by year, from 1792 to 2000. Seems very easy to navigate
and find what you're looking for.
Thanks to the Whitman Coin Grid, the key takeaways are easy for the reader
to grab. Any presentation format that successfully transmits the
salient points to the reader is a leg up on the competition.
The Introduction is chocked full of
important facts, but unfortunately, it is in small print and too laborious
to read. The temptation is to simply skip past it. Soak in the
introductory chapter, and you'll gain more from the book.
