“Buy the book before the coin” is good, solid, often-quoted advice for newcomers to the hobby. Frankly, it’s guidance for a lifetime of collecting; we should all heed it well beyond the beginner stage. And fortunately for today’s hobbyist, this advice has never been easier to follow—thanks in large part to one incredibly productive author, Q. David Bowers. Continue reading
In February 2017, Dennis Tucker put out a call for “problem coins” to illustrate some of the educational warnings author Kenneth Bressett gives in his new Whitman Guide to Coin Collecting. He asked hobbyists for high-resolution photographs of PVC damage, bag marks, scratches, edge bumps, nicks, dents, and other problems caused by poor handling or storage. Continue reading
Whitman Publishing has released an expanded, updated second edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents, a popular entry in the Bowers Series of numismatic titles. Continue reading
In September 2014, Whitman Publishing introduced The Kennedy World in Medallic Art: John F. Kennedy and His Family in Medals, Coins, Tokens, and Other Collectibles, by William R. Rice. Rice is respected as a well-renowned Kennedy historian and his text shines a light on the more personal aspects of the life of President John F. Kennedy and his family. While President Kennedy is widely considered one of the most beloved presidents of the United States, he also managed to strike a nerve among some American Protestants given that he was the first Roman Catholic president. In The Kennedy World in Medallic Art, Rice highlights one of the controversial medals that the enigmatic entrepreneur Robert Bashlow crafted to possibly capitalize on the anti-Catholic sentiment of the time.
Robert Bashlow was known as a rather eccentric figure who financed many interesting and sometimes obscure projects. His endeavors in numismatic publishing are well established as he was close to coin historian Walter Breen. Rice describes that Mr. Bashlow possessed a wide range of interests, as he was also known for his published works which focused on the Vietnam War, music, and sexuality. Bashlow also had a rather tumultuous personal life and he was eventually evicted from his New York Riverside Drive apartment for fighting with his landlord and failing to make rent payments on time. Unfortunately, in July 1979, the New York Times reported that Mr. Bashlow was one of 80 people who perished in a fire at the Coronade Aragon Five Star Hotel in Zaragoza, Spain. The fire started as a result of a pastry machine exploding in the kitchen.
One of the legacies that Bashlow left behind was a Kennedy medal that is thought by Rice to be a practical joke, given his colorful history. Bashlow’s 32 millimeter satirical John F. Kennedy medal was struck in London, England, by the John Pinches Ltd. Co. and is available in bronze, silver, and gold mintages — the latter of which is reported to be held in the Smithsonian Museum. While the medal was produced in 1961 and sold by the Robert Bashlow Co. Inc. in New York City, its date reads 1963 on the obverse. Rice elucidates that the reason for this is because the common thought of the time was that by the end of Kennedy’s first term, the Catholic Church would be in total control of American politics.
On the obverse, the coin’s inscription boldly proclaims CATHOLIC STATES OF AMERICA around the perimeter with the false date of issue, 1963, at the bottom. At the center is a crucifix with an inscription below that reads IN THE POPE WE HOPE.
The reverse of the coin’s inscription reads GOOD FOR 1 CONFESSION around the perimeter. In the center, the inscription makes clear that the confessions are made legitimate BY THE AUTHORITY OF PRES. KENNEDY AND JOHN XXIII.
While the satirical anti-John F. Kennedy medal certainly pushes boundaries, it is still a piece of history that symbolizes the turbulence of early-1960s America. The medal boasts a personality of wry wit and satire befitting its creator, Robert Bashlow, who will perhaps always be remembered as one of the most infamous numismatic entrepreneurs in American history.
The author believes his work is a transitional reference and welcomes that future collectors and any interested parties bring new varieties and information to further enhance the continuation of this historic endeavor.—William Rice
Kennedy historian William Rice picks up the torch where researchers like Aubrey Mayhew and the great Edward C. Rochette left off in the 1960s, shining new light on the life of President John F. Kennedy. He explores the Kennedy family; JFK’s boyhood; his military service and early political career; his inauguration and presidency; Jacqueline and the children; life in the White House; the president’s assassination; and the world’s mourning and remembrance. The story is told through touching and insightful essays illustrated by hundreds of coins, medals, tokens, stamps, and other collectible memorabilia—some popular, like the silver 1964 Kennedy half dollar, others rare and seldom seen.
Special sections discuss subjects like satirical and critical pieces; Robert F. Kennedy and Teddy Kennedy; the Peace Corps; and paper currency issued during the Kennedy administration. In addition to colorful historical images and narrative, the book’s scholarly appeal is expanded by a foreword by Dr. Gerald J. Steinberg, appendices, notes, a glossary, bibliography and full index. Collectors will benefit from the catalog numbering system and market prices in various grades.
Hobby legend Kenneth Bressett covers large-size, small-size, and fractional paper money in the newly revised and updated 7th edition of the Guide Book of United States Currency, one of the best-selling paper-money books of all time. Continue reading
Last night, at the World’s Fair of Money in Denver, Whitman author Bob McCabe won the Numismatic Literary Guild’s “Best Specialized Book” award for Counterfeiting and Technology: A History of the Long Struggle between Paper-Money Counterfeiters and Security Printing. The book was entered in the U.S. Paper Money category (which, incidentally, was won the previous year by another Whitman author, Q. David Bowers).
The author was unable to attend, so Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker accepted the award on his behalf.
Counterfeiting and Technology delves back in history to the first known printing of paper money (which took place during China’s Tang dynasty) and follows the technology’s journey from East to West. It balances a study of the chemistries and inner workings of printing with tales of daring heists, escapes, and manhunts as the battle between counterfeiters and authorities grew more and more complex with the technology at hand. (Click here for a detailed review of the book.)
The awards ceremony, emceed by Scott Travers, was part of the Numismatic Literary Guild‘s annual bash, which took place at 8 p.m. in the Sheraton’s Plaza Ballroom.
Whitman Publishing announces the release of the new second edition of the Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels, by Q. David Bowers. The 320-page softcover book is available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at www.Whitman.com), for $19.95. Bowers will autograph copies at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, August 1–5, 2017. Continue reading
The fourth edition of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins will enjoy its public debut in a few short weeks. Look for it at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Denver, Colorado. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of modern U.S. coins, you can preorder your copy online or from your favorite local bookstore. Continue reading
How many numismatists got their start in this great hobby by collecting the coins they found in their pocket change? The answer, of course, is many!
Whitman Publishing announces the release of an updated Check List and Record Book of United States Paper Money for collectors of American currency. The 256-page softcover book retails for $9.95 and is available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at www.Whitman.com).
The Check List and Record Book is designed as a convenient way for hobbyists to keep track of their collections. Its 6 x 9–inch size is big enough for writing notes and comments, and small enough to carry easily or to store in a safe deposit box.
Sections cover all federal series in denominations from $1 to $10,000, plus Postage Currency, Fractional Currency, and error notes. Mule notes and star notes are also included. Entries are listed with their Friedberg and Whitman numbers for convenient cataloging, along with quantities printed of each note.
The book serves a dual purpose: as a check list, it allow collectors to mark items off as they’re added to their collections; and as a record book, it includes space to note grades, prices, when and where specimens were purchased, and other important information.