Hello, I want to purchase some books on early commems, these are my choices: Commemorative Coins of the US: A Complete Encyclopedia by Q. David Bowers $38.95 A Basic Guide to US Commemorative Coins by Michael J. Hodder and Q. David Bowers $14.95 The Official Guide to US Commemorative Coins by David L. Ganz $12.95 The Encyclopedia of United States Silver & Gold Commemorative Coins: 1892-1989 by Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen $28.95 Anyone know anything about these books? I can't afford to purchase them all. I am looking for something authoritative and complete. I am leaning towards Commemorative Coins of the US: A Complete Encyclopedia because its by Mr. bowers ( i have read many of his books ) Any help would be really appreciated!
I will be honest and say I haven't read any of them, I am not really into commems, except for the awesome PCGS MS64 Oregon Trail my wife gave me last Valentine's day. But if I had to pick any based on the author, I would say you can't go wrong with Q. David Bowers.
I haven't read any of them, but I'd probably want something recent so that it would include as many of the moderns as possible. But if your interest is only early commems, one of the Bowers books might be a safe choice.
go with Breen...I think he has some great books...now Bowers is alright...I like his books too but I would go with Breen. Speedy
Mr. Bowers books are alright, but for the money, you can''t go wrong with Walter Breen's Encyclopedia. I have found it covers all that I have ever wanted to know about commemoratives. (and then some)
Hi Ranchhand, I own the Hodder/Bowers Basic Guide and it does not have the info I want/need. I would not recommend it... Specifically, it lacks info on preservation, grading and strike characteristics for individual issues. It is ok for a quick historical general interest/bakcground on classics, but that's it. JMHO Don For weblinks, I find the pcgs info very useful http://www.pcgs.com/coinguide/displ...-1954)&universeid=313&option_name=a Coin Type and this site, if you scroll down teh page, has a good guide to wear spots on different commems: http://www.coingrading.com/others1.html Don
Hey Ranchhand.. I am in accord with most others on the "Breen: book..my opinion it would be the one I would stock on my shelves... Good luck!!
I have all mentioned and also the Breen. I like the Bowers Encylopeia and Breen best. Also here is a website I like as well. http://www.commems.org/ Watson
