A couple of days ago I received my copy of The Authoritative Reference on Commemorative Coins 1892-1954 by Kevin Flynn. It is soft-bound and 361 pages. This first edition was published in 2008. The book is both a reference book and an educational book. While I have not read any of it yet it looks like it will be a great addition to my copy of Encyclopedia of United States Silver & Gold Commemorative Coins 1892-1954 by Swiatek & Breen. To quote from the author's Preface (if I may): In this area he goes FAR beyond Swiatek & Breen. Flynn notes (with detailed photos) known die varieties for each coin (e.g., doubled dies and repunched mintmarks). He also includes documents from the Commission of Fine Arts and contemporary news articles. This portion constitutes over 1/3 of the book. To help the reader determine rarity, scarcity and value Flynn lists mintage and number melted as well as pop reports from NGC and PCGS plus reported sales by Heritage. Also included are striking characteristics and wear points (very important in determining grade) as well as a section on 'Grading Commemorative Coins'. If the name Kevin Flynn sounds familiar it may be because he has written a number of coins books. You may have a few of them on your bookshelf. (I know I do.) Some of them are: Getting Your Two Cents Worth A Collector's Guide to Misplaced Dates The 1894-S Dime, A Mystery Unraveled Flying Eagle, Indian Cent, Two Cent, and Three Cent Doubled Dies The Authoritative Reference on (Lincoln Cents, Eisenhour Dollars, Three Cent Nickels, Roosevelt Dimes, Barber Dimes, Barber Quarters, Barber Half Dollars, Buffalo Nickels) I have not read any of this book yet but it looks like it will be a great resource for me. Once I read it I may write a review and post it on CoinTalk. (Don't hold your breath because I have a few other books to read before getting to this one.)
Flynn is a prolific compiler of guides. I've got his 2-cent and nickel 3-cent books. Good stuff. Only complaint is that the quality of his images could be better.
Thanks! I was just looking for a good book about the 1892-1954 Commemorative Coins and this was one of the books I cam across. Thank you for the thorough review, you just made my decision for me! I may be able to find a more recently released book, but I'll probably be able to get a good used copy by now. I am sure you have read through it, any updates after having the opportunity to dive in? Thanks Again! R.H.
Thanks for posting this, Hobo, but the least you could have done is include a link to some other site where the book may be purchased. That way we wouldn't have to take an extra 10 seconds to Google it. Chris
I just purchased a copy from Kyle Vick in Georgia. For anyone interested, he has the lowest sale price listed ($29.87) with free shipping, too, but he only has 3 copies left. Chris
I have had the Swaitek & Breen book for awhile and even though it's 30 years old now, it's still an awesome resource. I remember buying it as a like-new copy on eBay for less than $10!!! Might have to check out this Flynn book as well since it's been on my list for awhile. The classic commems are a really neat series and there is a great deal to learn about them.
