I just picked the Red Book of Morgan Silver Dollar at Books A Million and wow after 2 hours of reading, I'm blown away. I'm just starting my O-Mint Morgan collection and this book is really loaded with a lot of history as well as general collecting facts and suggestions. This is the information that makes coin collecting so much fun as well as an investment. I don't know Mr. Q. David Bowers but he has put together a great reference book in my opinion.
I got a copy off of eBay, and I'm not so patiently awaiting its' arrival. I'll let you know what I think when I get it! Rachel
The same type of book is already out by Bowers, titled: The guide book of Double Eagle Gold Coins. The next in the series is Type Coins (I think). Should make a nice reference set when this series is done.
It's not his first, and for the good of the hobby I hope it's not his last. He is a very well known prolific author and lecturer on numismatics, and is - or was - a major dealer in high end rarities. (I'm not a player in that arena, so I'm not sure if he's still active there.)
Anytime a question on Morgans come up, it is the first book I reference. I especially like the historical references to the differant mints, the treasury release of 1962, market developments, VAM's and how the Morgan dollar was designed. Leroy Van Allen's (Mr. VAM himself) forward sums it up best, "..the book will introduce you to collecting this popular series and guide you to explore its many facets."
For the Morgan fan there simply isn't a better book out there. I find myslef going back to mine again and again. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bowers at the Pittsburgh ANA show this past August. I actually bought the Redboook there so I could have him sign it for me even though I already had a copy at home I've since stayed in touch with him and consider him a dear friend. He is always willing to chat with collectors and answer questions, truly a legend in this hobby...and rightfully so. You would be hard pressed to meet a more charming, down to earth man cram-packed with an astounding amount of knowledge.
I got my book in the mail today and what little I've been able to read of it I already like! It looks like an information junkie's best friend! Rachel
Great book, one of my favorites. As you will find out from reading the date-by-date section, finding "O" mint Morgans which are fully struck can be quite a challenge, especially the 1901 thru 1904 dates!!
Rachel , The same guy that you got your book from has another one if you like it that much I'm gettting ready to send out an O morgan dollar in MS to have slabbed...the guy who sold it grades by the old way and said MS-63/4 so we'll see what it is.... Speedy
Thanks Speedy, but one is enough! I don't mind my books looking a little dogeared and worn- that just means they're well loved! Rachel
