Having an issue finding a book, and need help choosing.

So I've found out there are four editions of the UNITED STATES EARLY HALF DOLLAR DIE VARIETIES book.

According to collectors the 4th edition contains numerous errors, and they prefer the 3rd edition.

I cannot find the 3rd edition, ANYWHERE. I've tried Hastings, abebooks, alibris, booksamillion, Barns And Noble, Amazon, half.com, and eBay.

The last mention of this book selling occurred in August on eBay.

Then, there is yet ANOTHER book on bust halves, specifically one written by Dr. Peterson, this one only covers capped bust halves, which are the halves I collect. I do not collect draped bust or flowing hair due to cost.

But, I've read both sides of an argument, some say the one by Dr.Peterson covers more, others say the overton book covers more.

So, as a Capped Bust half collector, should I get a the 3rd edition of Al C Overton's book, or the one by Dr.Peterson?

Also, if anyone has a lead on EITHER book, PM me, I greatly appreciate it.

Also, does the Overton book or the Peterson Book mention GRADING.

 

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FWIW I looked for the 3rd edition of the Overton book last year and had the same problem. But I bought the 4th edition, and errors or not, it's a great resource.

 

Someone on the other board said the plates (photos) on the 4th edition is muddier, and there are like 200 errors.

 

This was discussed last year also by igradems70 aka Busthalfbrian. One of the resident Bust half collectors
http://www.cointalk.com/t193571/

 

Though I'd prefer a third edition , I've got the 4th and I like it a lot . It has a ton of information and the pics could be better , but for the money it's well worth it .

 

That's about the only complaint I have, but I think that I'm just getting spoiled looking at high res pictures. Many of the early reference books don't really seem good by today's standards

 

I know where there is a copy of the third edition that will be sold shortly. PM me if you want this source Tim.

 

The 3rd edition is great for the photos.

But, the 4th lists more (newly found) varieties.

As for Peterson, great pickup as an addition to the Parsley book.

I use them together

 

Waaaaaaaaaay outside my field, but for what its worth, faced with similar choices about English language works on Japanese coinage, I took the easy way out and bought them all.

Have you checked with Scott Seemans? He is a wonderful source for numismatic literature and I believe he accepts want lists.

 

They are both great and you should have both at some point but,9 out of 10 times I use my Peterson book over my Overton . I used Overton for years but really like the Peterson for speed of reference . If I were to now have to choose one over the other it would be the Peterson .

 

I cannot find the peterson book, EITHER.

I'm not trying to be harsh on the publishers, but were these books printed to demand? Was there some kind of "call to reserve your copy" kind of thing going on?

They should of printed plenty enough to go around, it does not cost over $10 to print a book.

So what do young numismatists, wanting to turn themselves into bust half collectors do? Without?

Seems really stupid to print such few copies of books, that the collectors snatch them all up, leaving hardly if any to go around.

 

Found this mentioned on another website...

So can one do without the Overton book ?

 

I'm hoping that you find out soon, that as with most things in life, it is better to be more prepared than necessary, and maybe have more knowledge than necessary. Rare books and reference material are like rare coins. Buy what you can now to start getting the information that you need, and when the copy you want becomes available buy it and "upgrade". Many of the earlier reference books are rare because they are out of print. Who knows if they were printed to demand at the time. Maybe demand for coin books isn't all that great. Just because we like coins, doesn't mean that publishers feel the need to cater to us. Be patient. And while you wait, I see you are an ANA member. They do have a library that you can check out books through the mail. Maybe you should find out which one works best for you before you buy.

 

First, with the small audience and high quality pictures demanded by collectors, I believe you will find it costs a HECK of a lot more than $10 to print high quality, short print runs of a book.

Second, welcome to the world of coin literature. That is why many of us use sites like the one I gave you Tim. Numismatic books become tough to locate a couple of years after being released. Those who have a need for instant gratification should stick with Red Books, and KM catalogs. Most other coin books are harder to find than that, or you just have to be patient.

 

One member says the overton book is better than the peterson, and another person on another forum said the opposite.

 

I agree, this is a very elusive book. They do pop up on eBay every so often - just keep your eyes out.

I was able to steal one in a no reserve auction last year for $40.00. Unfortunately, every one I've seen sell on eBay since then has commanded $80.00+.

Ask around your community. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one sitting on the shelf of some mom 'n pop coin shop.

 

I own both the third and fourth editions of Overton. I greatly prefer the third edition because I think the images are a bit more clear, the paper feels heftier, the spine feels like it is more substantial and Overton's name is still listed as the author.

 

In our state, 10,000 for a bachelors degree

http://www.tampabay.com/news/educat...tate-colleges-10000-bachelors-degrees/1263272

Just had to throw that out there

 

Seems Cheap , probably more like 10 grand a year or more with housing , books and other expenses .