Large Cent Die Varieties Book

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by zach24, Oct 29, 2011.

  1. zach24

    zach24 DNSO 7070 71 pct complete

    I've been really interested in Large Cents (mostly Matron heads) lately and wanted to know of a good educational book, that includes information about the die varieties. Specifically the 1838, I purchased a dateless LC that is known to be that date (1838) because of a doubled bead on the reverse. I cant find any information to support this online...

    Any help is appreciated!!
     
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  3. PennyGuy

    PennyGuy US and CDN Copper

    Hi Zach
    The only book I would recommend is The Cent Book, by John D. Wright. This book is the standard reference for the 1816-1839 date cents. The author can be contacted via email at theJohn at sbcglobal.net. (insert @ for the word at) List price is $125. Because you are dealing directly with the author don't forget you can even have it autographed. There is a discount for EAC members. PM me if you want more info on the book.

    PG
     
  4. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    I agree with the Cent Guy. The white book by Mr. Wright is a superb book. The Noyes reference (vol 2) is a close second.
     
  5. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Or if you wanted a reference for these and most other US coins, Breen's 1988 book is a good starter for most areas. These can be tougher to locate nowadays, but can be found.

    Chris
     
  6. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    The Breen encyclopedia really isn't of much use when you are dealing with specific die varieties. He would group coins with specific similarities together onfer one reference number and usually there isn't enough specific information provided that would let you separate the individual varieties. I would cast my vote for the Wright book as well. I own both Wright and Noyes (In fact I own two copies of Wright , and one of Newcomb) and I prefer Wright.
     
  7. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Good to know sir. I know it is somewhat abbreviated, but its a nice book to start on for most aspects of US numismatics. I agree any specialist should get the appropriate volume specific for the series.

    I was waiting for someone to call me out on recommending a somewhat more generic reference. :)

    Chris
     
  8. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    Wright is a much more enjoyable read. The Noyes book is laser focused on attribution, where Wright introduces all sorts of related information.
     
  9. PennyGuy

    PennyGuy US and CDN Copper

    Too bad you're not in Michigan Zach, the Kalamazoo Coin Club is holding their Fall show this Saturday. John Wright (and his wife) usually attend.
     
  10. beef1020

    beef1020 Junior Member

    Don't know if price is a major factor, but the Noyes book can be picked up on ebay with some patience for around half the price of Wright's book, which I have yet to see auctioned on ebay.
     
  11. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Good point. I picked up mine from a Frank Robinson list for about $8 I believe. I bought all of the large cent references for about that price. Not having a higher interest in them, I have never tried to acquire Wright.
     
  12. zach24

    zach24 DNSO 7070 71 pct complete

    Thank you all!! I'll do some hunting for both the Wright and Noyes reference book. Can anyone comment on the bead doubling situation?
     
  13. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Post a clear picture of the coin both obverse and reverse. I do not know of a diagnostic that talks about beads on the reverse. In 1837 there was plain cords and beaded cords(head of 1838). So post pictures and maybe someone can identify it.
     
  14. zach24

    zach24 DNSO 7070 71 pct complete

    I'll try to get a good picture, just have to figure out how to rehook up this scanner (we moved) Maybe I should rephrase, I call it a "bead" but in all reality it's a "dot" between "one" and "cent".
     
  15. PennyGuy

    PennyGuy US and CDN Copper

    What you are seeing Zach in the exact center of the coin, that mark (a depression on the die) was where the engraver centered his compass to draw a circle to assist in laying out the lettering, etc.
     
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