I read a thread earlier where someone (I think it was Doug) made reference to controversies surrounding Gobrecht Dollars. I didn't want to hijack that thread...but I didn't know anything about these coins was controversial. I will admit that I know next to nothing about these dollars as my interest has focused on coins a little later in US history. So, I would like to learn about what makes these coins controversial. Could anyone please provide some information?
Don't know if you've read this or if it's already been posted but just in case not...... http://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ad=article&ArticleId=7811
Stuff like this is why I think any serious collector should consider it mandatory for them to subscribe to both Coin World and Numismatic News. Time after time after time you will find articles like this that will be published no place else. And don't tell me - OK but those articles are never about the coins I collect. Those articles ARE about the coins you collect, and you don't know when one is going to come out. The serious collector needs to have steadfast determination to learn every single thing he can about the coins he collects. And that means buying books and subscribing to periodicals. Every single dollar you spend on a book or a periodical will save you at least $10, if not multiples of that, on what you spend on coins.
Vitally important point. Let's say a guy sees the title "New Information on the Gobrecht Dollars" and says "I don't collect 'em. Can't afford 'em. Why read a meaningless article ?" That guy is gonna miss out out on some very interesting points. For instance, I found this interesting : "The first steam press was completed for use in March 1836 but it was not powerful enough to coin dollars; the director therefore waited until a second and larger press was finished in March 1837." Also some interesting intrigue about mint operations, audits, the media in 1837... And insight into numismatic research over the decades. Great article.
Complete agreement. Just 'cause something is beyond my reach financially doesn't mean I shouldn't take the time to learn about it. Forget the fact that I've loved the design since I first started collecting. Dougs signiture line reads "knowlege, share it". I'll go one step further....knowlege, drink it in. :smile
