Book
Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia
📖 Overview
Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia stands as the definitive reference work on American silver dollars from 1794 through 1935. The two-volume set includes comprehensive information about every silver dollar issue, including mintage figures, die varieties, rarity ratings, and market values.
The encyclopedia provides historical context for each coin series, incorporating contemporary accounts, mint records, and numismatic research. Physical descriptions, grading standards, and high-resolution photographs help collectors identify specific varieties and assess condition.
The work contains detailed chapters on Trade dollars, Morgan dollars, and Peace dollars, along with information about patterns, proofs, and commemorative issues. Distribution records, striking characteristics, and known hoards are documented for major varieties.
This reference represents both a technical guide and a historical record, capturing the role of silver dollars in American commerce and collecting. The work's extensive scope makes it a cornerstone resource for understanding U.S. silver dollar coinage.
👀 Reviews
Numismatists and collectors report this is a reference book they consult frequently for detailed information about U.S. silver dollars and trade dollars.
Readers highlight:
- Thorough mintage figures and pricing data
- High quality photographs of key varieties
- Historical context and background details
- Organized layout makes information easy to find
Common criticisms:
- Price valuations are outdated (1993 publication)
- Some grading descriptions lack precision
- Limited discussion of modern counterfeits
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Notable reader comment: "While parts are dated, the historical information and variety details remain valuable and accurate." - Coin collector review on CoinTalk forum
No Goodreads ratings available for this specialized reference work.
The book remains in use but readers note a need for updated pricing and modern counterfeit coverage. Most indicate they use it alongside newer price guides and grading resources.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 The book spans over 1,500 pages and is considered the definitive reference work on American silver dollars from 1794-1935
💰 Q. David Bowers has written over 50 books on numismatics and is one of only two living people inducted into both the Numismatic Hall of Fame and the Professional Numismatists Guild Hall of Fame
🏛️ The book includes previously unpublished research from the National Archives about the production and distribution of Morgan and Peace dollars
📈 First published in 1993, early editions of this book have themselves become collectible items, sometimes selling for several hundred dollars
🗯️ Each coin variety is accompanied by contemporary accounts and newspaper articles from the era of its minting, providing historical context beyond just technical details