I'm absolutely elated to say that the next Coin World's cover story is one written by me. "The Power of 3's", a story about the three cent denomination. I've written several articles for Coin World but getting the cover is a first for me. All unattributed photographs in the article are my own (which I guess could be good or bad). I would like to hear your candid thoughts on the article. Don't be afraid to take me to task...in fact, go for it! This article has one of the longest bibliographical lists I've ever compiled for any article/report I've done. It was a lot of work to correlate and dovetail the history (as best I could, although there are a couple spots where I couldn't find a decent way to segue as well as I would have liked) into one cohesive story about the 3-cent denomination. Also, feel free to give me some ideas you'd like to see for a future article. I have to admit that I'm a little berift of ideas at the moment and Beth Deisher (Coin World's editor) asked me to come up with some other article ideas. I usually don't like treading over the same old stuff, but I'd at least like to put a different spin on it. Other articles I've done in the past have been: Early Proofs (a 3-part series with whom I shared the byline with Mike Norse of Alaska Coin Exchange), Early Proofs (reprise for Coin Values), Collecting Three Cent Nickels, and Foreign Coins Circulating in the U.S. I hope you enjoy the article. I learned a LOT by writing it!
Dang, Bruce! It sure was fun reading that article. I can believe a lot of research and effort went into it. You earned the handsome fee. I liked that it was easy reading and yet detailed enough to hold interest. Well written too, with good copy editing. I enjoyed the chronological presentation, moving through the history of the time and the reasons why these coins and stamps came to life and what ended them. Much nicer than focusing on a single coin or stamp at a time and bouncing around in time. Finally, I thought the "presentation" was very attractive, with nice images of the subject coins, stamps and currency scattered about along with a short blurb. Nice layout. Some collectors might have enjoyed reading a little more on the reasoning for some of these lower denomination coins not being legal currency. I remember when I first learned that I scratched my head. Over all, an excellent job. You should be proud! How many copies of this issue did you acquire? Lance.
Congrats! I saw it, but haven't read yet. You know, I wondered why they showed 2 three cent pieces and no $3 gold, when the later would have fit the article better.
Lance, thank you for your kind words. I wrote the article in a manner to make sure it pleased the widest possible audience but still pack it with historical information and numismatic facts. That can be a bit tricky. The editor was kind enough to say she'll be sending along a few copies for me.
Congrats!! Something on large cents would be nice. I can't even remember the last time I saw an article on the subject in CW. Guy
Hmmmm....Large Cents....that's a thought. Especially, since I know next to nothing about them! LOL! But, then again that's how I came into doing the foreign coins in the U.S. article for last summer. It's a pretty broad subject. Is there a particular angle you'd recommend or just a general overview of the entire series of 1792-1857? Are you certain the Coin World hasn't don't anything like that in awhile. I think I recall seeing a decent article on Half Cents within the last year or so. Unfortunately, if I saw an article on Large Cents I could very well have passed it by.
I don't remember anything being done on them, at least in the past two years, but I might have missed it. It would be interesting to know the minting history behind them. Like Whitman has done with their Guide Books on...., they always include an informative section on how and why they were minted, their use and circulation at the time and so on. Unfortunately, they, along with everyone else, has left out this series. There is info on varieties, but thats about it. Just a suggestion. You know more about what you're able to write than we do. I always enjoy the magazine no matter the subjects within. Guy
If you want a smaller task, an article specifically about the stemless wreath Large Cents should be digestible. O would include the half stemless varieties since they are particularly interesting.
Marshall, something as precise as a particular large cent variety would definitely be outside my expertise. I'm toying with the idea of the overall research needed for a general overview and the topics I'd need to cover. Plus, I think it would be enjoyed by a wider audience than a particular variety. Don't get me wrong it might make a great article, but I think a large cent (or EAC) expert would really be the right person to pen that article.
Bruce, I'd really like to read your articles on early proofs. A google search did not turn up anything...do you have a link to the articles you could share? Thanks Scott
Great article. Read it yesterday. I am very impressed with the level of information presented in that mag. :thumb: Just downloaded their iPad app and think I am going to enjoy it as well.
I've had others request the same thing. I need to locate the exact title and publication date. I'll try to do that soon. If I don't get back to you in a timely manner, don't hesitate to PM and remind me.
Congrats on the front-page article. I haven't read it yet but from the comments so far, you've done a fine job. I'm responding to your comment in your first post that you are looking for ideas for new articles but you don't want to cover old ground. Remember, there are people who have not been long-time readers (like me) and have never seen the old stuff. Articles for newbies are always welcome and fresh -- to the newbies. Even old-timers can enjoy a fresh new look at an old topic. Best wishes on your future articles. Al
I usually do not buy Coin World, but seeing this thread I picked up an issue, so let the editors know that your article on the front cover is helping to sell more of their publication.
Here's a list of my articles: February 7-21, 2005 (Coin World; 3 part series with Mike Norse; February 28, 2005 additional information printed in Letters to the Editor) - Early Proof coins Jun 27, 2005 (Coin World; guest editorial) - Breen wrong on 2¢ Small Mintage July 2005 (Coin Values) - Early "classic" Proof coins scarce but surprisingly affordable today October 13, 2008 (Coin World) - Few collect copper-nickel 3¢ coins (and that's a shame) August 9, 2010 (Coin World; world section) - Foreign coins once reigned in United States June 6, 2011 (Coin World; cover) - The Power of 3s
