Does anyone know of a good reference book for US pattern coins? Patterns have always been an interest of mine and for now, they are way out of my price range. I have always thought it would be interesting to put together a small collection down the road if I was ever financially able to. Although I can't afford any right now, I can still afford to learn about them. So, are there any reference books out there that you would recommend to me...especially something that is more on the complete side and has pictures if possible.
Richie, The first 2 books on this URL are pre-order. I have the older Judd and the 4th CPG vol. 1, but these are on my list for pre-order. The CPG is available for pre-order on Amazon, the Judd/Bowers is not yet. Jim http://www.whitmanbooks.com/Default.aspx?Page=80&SubCatOID=78
I'd go with this one. United States Pattern Coins - 10th Edition Or if you can't wait, try the 9th Edition. That's the one I have. And it will save you about $10.
$39.95 for Judd / Bowers ? Nice price for a coin book. Many of 'em are a lot more than that. Thanks, Jim ! :thumb:
True, but the 9th edition is about $10 less AND was published in 2005. Unless you know there's been significant changes since 2005 OR you absolutely want the very latest and are not worried about the $10, I'd go with the 9th.
That was my thought. I don't think a lot has changed with pattern coins in the last couple years. I don't care about prices (if the book even has those), what I want is information. So, I'll probably go with the 9th edition.
My favorite is United States Patterns and Related Issues by Andrew W Pollock. I feel it has a lot more information. Problem is it has only had one edition (1994) is long out of print, and the few copies I see offered are in the $275 and up range.
Wow, that makes me feel good Conder, I paid $50 for a like new one a couple years ago. That is a nice book and the one that I use first when looking up pattern information. I have one other that has not been mentioned, "U.S. Pattern Coins Experimental and Trial Pieces", J. Hewitt Judd, M.D. (2003).
They did mention it, but they were discussing the later editions. And $50 is about what I paid for my copy of Pollock as well. But I've had my copy since about 1995.
