Coins Books

I find this book perfect, it was just the thing I was looking for.
Every kind of medal is presented along with its history.

This book provides a vast wealth of information for those with interests in the field of U.S. military awards such as collectors, researchers, enthusiasts, veterans of previous conflicts and active military personnel. If anyone has ever served in the military this will be a prized pocession on your bookshelf!

Since I've had this book, I've used it time and time again as a quick reference guide for the order of precedence and the proper wear of military ribbons and their attachments. The book contains full-color photographs of all the current and previous military medals and ribbons (except the four or five most recent awards) along with a history, proper order of precedence, occasions for wear, and a full explanation of the proper wear of the attachments for each award broken down by each individual service.

If you are an awards officer/clerk, then you will appreciate the full-color guide with each of these awards in order and guide for wear. This book beats looking up the official instruction for your particular branch.

If you are in the military, a veteran, or an awards officer/clerk in any of the four branches, Coast Guard or Merchant Marines, I'd recommend this book to you.

"A Complete Guide to All United States Military Medals 1939 to Present," here in its fifth edition, is an authoritative reference work which should be on the shelves of every library--school, public, and military--in the United States. Co-authors Frank Foster and Lawrence Borts have an obvious love and respect for their subject, and this commitment shows on every one of the book's pages.

This is as complete a guide to U.S. military ribbons and medals as I could imagine. The authors describe the history and criteria of each award and provide clear full-color photographs of each one. The book also contains detailed information about the various devices worn on each ribbon, guides to the proper wear of medals and ribbons on the uniform, and much more. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine awards are all covered. There is even a special section on United Nations mission medals.

This book would make a great gift for veterans, currently serving military personnel, and amateur military historians. The many illustrations make this book a truly beautiful reference work. But more than that, this book is a meaningful tribute to the women and men who have actually earned these medals and ribbons over the years. As a veteran myself, I want to thank and congratulate Frank Foster and Lawrence Borts for a stunning achievement. I look forward to the sixth edition.

This is the only book of its kind! There is no other reference like it for the different die varieties of these popular dollars. If you buy this book, also purchase "The VAM Keys", a list of the top 100 Morgan Dollar varieties.

This is a standard text for any Morgan Dollar collector. Extremely strong in historical aspects. Currently reprinted in 4th edition and availiable. Date and mintmark analisis on each coin and listing of over 2200 Vams. Which are die pairs primarily for Morgan Dollars. Some information in this book is incomplete and/or incorrect. Which is not surprising with a fairly massive reference book. An excellent reference text which I constantly use!

This book is a must have for serious silver dollar collectors -- VAM collecting is not as popular as it will someday be, and now is the time to get at it! -- This book has the complete refernce list for VAMS but is only a companion to the newer and updated "Top 100 VAMS" booklet available now. The only drawback to this book is the authors have (once again) changed their rarity and popularity format and this huge volume does not correspond correctly with the Top 100 reference.... Untill they pblish a newer version of this book, it's a must have and will probably pay for itself with the discovery of scarce varietys you already have and will find should you decide to seek them out.

I collected Morgan Silver Dollars for years before I got this. I wish I had bought it a long time ago. A good basic reference for the collector.

I enjoyed this book so much. Quitman is quite a protagonist. This story has so many twists and turns and I never knew what was going to happen next. Loved it and Quitman and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery that keeps you on the edge of your chair (couch in my case.) Mr. Valentinetti is very talented.

Joseph Valentinetti's "Glint" is a fine mystery, carefully and intrically plotted. What makes this novel more than a mystery is the powerful characterization of its progagonist, the wonderfully drawn and absolutely believable Quitman O'Neil, whose vulnerability and bravery beat at the heart of the story. Our first hint that we are in territory removed from the laconic, disinterested landscape of the average detective story comes early, as Quitman responds with emotional depth and integrity to a horror with which he is intimately involved.
Mr. Valentinetti draws his women with as sure a hand: Helen's relationship with Quitman is complicated, tender, passionate and revealing; Maria, the daughter of a father threatened by her sexuality, is at once poignant and merciless. It is within his interactions with Maria and Helen that the fascination and truth of Quitman lie.
The novel's intricacies of plot form a metaphor for the development of a man who is imperfectly aware of his own emptiness, and equally tentative when he begins to fill it with his own character. Mr. Valentinetti is a hell of a writer, and "Glint" is a keeper.

Glint was a great book to read. I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to keep on reading it to see what happen next. Joseph did a excellent job bringing his book to life. Glint should be made into a movie. Thanks Joseph I loved your book *

This book held my interest for more than one reason. It was a very realistic story line and made very believable by the author. The plot was well thought out and planned. I know it took time and effort. Thanks Joesph you did a wonderful job.

This book offers a wonderful lesson about what is important in life-friendship and giving. It's a great story for children and adults alike.

The Gold Coin is the story of Juan, a thief of experience, and his journey to find an old woman who gives away gold coins. In his quest to find her to steal away her assumed riches, Juan is forced to experience the helpfulness of strangers, depend on their kindness and enjoy with them the feeling of an honest day's labor. By the end of his travels, he has been transformed by the goodness of the people he has met. When he finally comes face to face with the woman he had intended to rob, he is a different person. Instead of taking her gold, Juan offers to mend her roof. He learns that giving to others allows him to feel rich. The Gold Coin is a great story to read aloud. It is warm and inspiring.

This is an excellent book. I originally found this book in our reading basal. My students loved it! I decided to search for this book as an individual title, and when I found it, I was too excited. I used this book as a read aloud with my 3rd and 4th graders. When I finished and put the book down, my students couldn't wait to get their hands on it. I loved the illustrations as well as the reading skills that I can used to teach particular skills. Great Book!

Alma Flor Ada is an author who writes both in Spanish and English. Her work focuses on action over description. Her communication of the values and qualities of the culture in which she immerses her readers makes her books notable. The Gold Coin tells of a man who is twisted in body and spirit until he is transformed by honest hard work, and caring decent people. The reader is introduced to an inspirational character, Dona Josefa. Although the thief doesn't meet her until the end of the story, it is her model of goodness that shines throughout the story. The illustrations admirably reflect the changes the thief undergoes as his body becomes straighter and his face less pale and angry. There are many surprises seeded throughout the story and the ending is wonderfully satisfying. Although this is an original tale, the writing has the flavor of a folktale and the culture and landscape of Central America are authentically portrayed.

it really is the best "little" book for anyone interested in collecting coins or watching the value of owned coins go up. very reliable prices.

I became fascinated with coins as a youth a zillion years ago. I worked on the Lincoln cents series, memorizing the valuable dates and prices before finally completing the entire set. Since that time I have returned to coins again and again, drawn by their allure on many levels. They serve as cultural icons - an encapsulated national history lesson. They are also beautiful works of art...one cannot help but be reminded of the great sculptor Augustus Saint-Gauden who designed, according to President Teddy Roosevelt, the "most beautiful coin ever minted" - the famous and breathtaking St. Gauden's $20 gold coin. Last, but certainly not least, coins serve as an anchor in bad economic times and as excellent (the best) investments. Even in this age of technology, savvy investors know that gold and silver are "for the ages".

Throughout it all the Redbook has been a faithful companion. It succeeds where others do not for several reasons - each edition builds on prior works, research is ongoing, latest findings are presetn but most important, it remains THE repository for fair pricing. I note that it still contains the reminder, "Well-struck, uncirculated pieces demand higher prices than shown". Some things never change.

The listings are accompanied by numerous photographs including a multitude of "close-ups". The warnings are also present - Be aware of washed coins or altered dates or forgeries. But it is the grading system that forms the core of the book. Despite the non-stop battles over grading methodolgy (I prefer the 70 point system since it seems the most objective) many experts still refer to the Redbook and its language concerning feathers, stars, "LIBERTY" and hair details. As long as there are silver and gold coins there will be a Redbook.

The Redbook is a great reference for coin collecting. It has color pictures of almost every coin. It also illustrates die varities and other rare errors like double dies. The pictures are enlarged so you can see if your coins have a feature that makes them much more valuable. It tells you the mintage for each coin. Also, with each coin series there is a short history about the coin series. Included is a section about error coins.

The one bad thing is the pricing. It really is not much inline. If you want this book just for pricing I would not reccommend it. However, if you want it as a reference, I would highly reccommend it. Some prices are too high, and others too low. So if you want a good coin reference book, this is one of the best out there!

The Redbook is the US coin collector's bible. Every collector MUST have this book if they are collecting US coins. The Redbook lists every coin ever minted in the United States. It also tells you which mints have produced them (there have been many over the years) and how many where made at each mint. This is valuable information because the value of any given US coin will depend on its date, mint mark & condition.

The prices in the Redbook are representative of the full retail price of a coin. The vast majority of the coins listed can be had for considerably less though from any reputable dealer. In most cases, if a dealer tries to get the Redbook price for a coin, run, do not walk, to the nearest exit.

Try searching on Google for a "reputable coin dealer" (include quotes) to locate a reputable coin dealer in your area. Every coin dealers advertises the quality, value and convenience of shopping with them but how many advertise their integrity? Try googling for "integrity, quality, value & convenience" (include quotes) and just see how many coin dealers are willing to ride on their reputation!

If you are looking to sell some coins, do NOT base the price you want for them on what is shown in the Redbook. The price a dealer will offer you for you coins will be a dealer-to-dealer price (i.e. a wholesale price). You certainly don't want to be one of those naive collectors who walk into a coin shop and try to sell your coins for anywhere near the price shown in the Redbook. Most dealers would simply laugh at you and move on to the next customer (as rude as that be).

Again, if you are thinking about collecting coins, the Redbook had better be the first book you buy.

Nov. 30, 2001

A Book Review by Eva Smith from the Center for Esoteric Studies
Meher Baba - Avatar of the Tortoise
By Kenneth Lux

Kenneth Lux a clinical psychologist and social theorist takes us on a journey within a journey. He begins by taking us back to 1967 where he was first introduced to the name of Meher Baba. He describes how Meher Baba's literature and the "Baba Lovers" (those who follow Baba's teachings) impressed him and how be became a believer. This begins his long process of personal spiritual development. He gives us accounts of the various people he meets along the way; how the more he got involved with the Baba Teachings the more his philosophy and spiritual developed changed; how he had to come to grips with the Avatar; the Baba teachings played an important role in the vocations he ended up choosing and creating and his psycho-spiritual transformation as a person. The coincidences of meeting Baba Lovers at every turn on the road through all the years confirmed for him that he was on the right track. His experiences are both engrossing and revealing.
All this is done while simultaneously giving us an account of Baba's life, from his beginnings in what was then Persia, his move to India, and the development of the Baba establishments and teachings. The story of Baba's life is most captivating and engaging. From the moment that Kenneth describes Meher Baba's life through stories and through descriptions of Baba's experiences with his followers, the reader recognizes the quality of this man.
As an esotericist I particularly enjoyed the various quotes of Baba's teachings derived from the Meher Baba Discourses. The Teachings parallel very much those offered by other evolved beings and so as the reader I enjoyed how Baba expressed his truths. His intention is to reveal the ONE Supreme Self which is in all. He says he was Jesus, he was Krishna, he was Buddha, he was all the other Avatars who have come to bring love to humanity in the past. He professes to be here again. "Come All Unto Me."
Baba spends the majority of his life in Silence. His followers and believers keep waiting for him to break his silence, which is his promise. He assures them that the right time will come and he will do so. Unfortunately to the chagrin of his followers, right up to his death - the dropping of his body, he does not break his silence.
The premise in the book is that Baba was an Avatar, being the total manifestation of God in human form. "As an Avatar he brings a new release of power, a new awakening of consciousness, a new experience of life-not merely for the few, but for all."
The rest of the book is spent on justifying why Kenneth believes that Meher Baba was in fact the Avatar. He addresses questions like, "Was Baba only a spiritual authority? Was Baba a Charlatan? Was Baba an ordinary man? Or Was Baba in fact, the Avatar?"
Upon reflection, as a spiritual person, teacher and lover of the Ageless Wisdom the Kenneth's presentation that Meher Baba is God is somewhat difficult to swallow. Kenneth leaves the reader with having to decide whether Baba, this spiritual figure, is God or whether he is not. Had the author presented Baba as an extremely evolved being, representing the principle of love, (which is what an Avatar does) the extreme polarities, of either or, would have been diffused.
The book itself offers photos of Meher Baba's life, which has helped this reader have a sense of almost knowing the man. It involves one to the point that often I would just look at his picture and almost feel the energy jump off the page. I found the size of the book a bit awkward especially for carrying around as well as the print on gray paper difficult to see.
Kenneth's writing is intelligent, totally honest, goes directly to main issues, inspiring and captivating. The message of love is extant throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. (...)

This is the story of an unusual spiritual master named Meher Baba, who was born in India in 1894 into a Persian Zoroastrian family. But it is much more than that-it is also the intimate story of how the author awakened to the search for truth in response to the charm of Meher Baba's personality, the power of his message of divine love, and the intellectual challenged posed by his teachings.

The book provides an excellent introduction to Meher Baba and various aspects of his life, such as his work with the mad and the "God-intoxicated," his establishment of a center in South Carolina, and his warnings to American youth about drug use. In addition, it is distinctive for being the first personal memoir by a second-generation Baba-lover who never met Meher Baba in person.

A political activist and a psychology professor at Indiana University in the sixties, Kenneth Lux was skeptical when he first heard Meher Baba's claim that he is the "Avatar of the Age," that same Ancient One who came before as Zoroaster, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, and who had returned to redeem the world-a world very much in need of redemption. Also fantastic was the fact that Meher Baba had kept total silence since 1925 and told his followers to prepare for the breaking of his silence with a divine Word, an event that would signal his manifestation as God in human form and the advent of a New Humanity.

Despite the fact that Meher Baba died in 1969, seemingly without having uttered the Word, Lux continued to be drawn by Baba's extraordinary love and compassion, which not only were reflected in his life's activities but also continued even after his death through a deep inner relationship with his devotees. The detailed story of how this inner relationship took shape for Kenneth Lux-a process marked by synchronicities, transformative encounters, and important insights into his own attachments, weaknesses, and psychological makeup-makes for fascinating reading.

Even though Meher Baba had stated that the mind had to be "annihilated" in order for spiritual realization to become possible, Lux felt that his intellect grew more effective after coming into Meher Baba's orbit. A keen observer of his own mental and emotional processes, Lux is able to show us specifically how he wrestled with the koan that is Meher Baba-examining, questioning, reasoning, contemplating, and ultimately arriving at an understanding that is as satisfying to the mind as it is to the heart. The significance of the book's subtitle-"Avatar of the Tortoise"-comes as an interesting surprise toward the conclusion, tying together the threads of Lux's longing for a revolution of consciousness to bring redemption to our suffering world.

Meher Baba: Avatar Of The Tortoise is, in some ways, the story of how author and clinical psychologist Kenneth Lux came to believe in the spiritual wisdom of Avatar Meher Baba. Chapters cover Meher Baba's life, the nature of Karma and how psychotherapy can be sensitive to it, and much more. A thoughtful, moving account of true faith, Meher Baba is highly recommended reading for students of Eastern philosophy and spirituality in general, and the teachings and life of Meher Baba in particular.

The timing of this book is quite striking. I received a copy on the weekend before the aweful events of September 11. During the aftermath of this crisis, I found this book to be extremely meaningful and thought provoking. This is a multi-faceted book that deals with the story of the author's spiritual awakening and his perspective on Meher Baba and his meaning and message to humanity.
This book is an excellent introduction to Meher Baba but I think that it would be also very valuable to people familiar with Meher Baba and have contemplated or struggled with the issues presented in this book. I found the book to contain many important insights and while reading it I often found myself staring at the cover or off into space while I contemplated a particular point. One quote from Meher Baba has remained with me since I finished the book and it has helped me come to terms with the recent tragic world events: "The wave of destruction must rise still higher, must spread still further. But when, from the depths of his heart, man desires something more lasting than wealth and something more real than material power, the wave will recede. Then peace will come, joy will come, light will come."

I first met the author via email when she was looking for a Celtic coin to use to promote her new children's mystery novel The Mystery of the Ancient Coins. I was immediately interested and bought a copy to read with my kids. It was a great read and one of the few fictional books I have found that revolve around ancient coins.

In this mystery novel for kids, the second in a series of three, 11-year old detective Elizabeth Pollack and her younger brother Jonathan are asked by a family friend to discover the whereabouts of five ancient Celtic gold coins that had been carefully hidden almost forty years prior.

With an engaging and descriptive writing style and interesting characters, Rosellini writes a believable story as the brother and sister team discover clues from an old diary written in German. An element of suspense is added to the story as the diary hints of a curse and misfortune to come upon the family if the coins are not recovered within a 40-year time frame.

With a few twists and turns and surprises along the way, they follow the clues and talk to a man who collects and repairs old German clocks, a professor of ancient history, a fun-loving aunt who loves practical jokes, a librarian, and a few others until they finally come to the home of a lonely old woman who unknowingly holds the final key to solving the mystery.

The theme of this book is the importance of "memory keepers," those people who keep alive the knowledge and traditions of the past and preserve them for future generations. The quest for the missing ancient coins ties in wonderfully with this theme.

The thoughts and questions Rosellini raises when Elizabeth finally finds the coins are compelling:

Elizabeth held out her hand.... In it was a small golden coin, round and rough-edged, with a simple design like the blades of a windmill. Elizabeth felt a strange power in the coin, as if a slender thread were connecting her to ancient times and faraway places. What other hands had held this coin? What did the people look like? What did they buy with it? "I wish I knew more about the Celtic people," she whispered (page 107).

These are just the kinds of questions that will spur young readers on to explore both ancient history and the hobby of ancient coin collecting-I would highly recommend this book as a way to introduce children to the fascinating world of ancient coins. This book would make a special gift for children or grandchildren as well as being a great way for teachers to introduce students to ancient coins.

Review by Marc Breitsprecher

Marc is a full time dealer in ancient coins and owner of Ancient Imports. He can be found on the internet at http://www.ancientimports.com

Our family happily gobbled down another helping of children's mystery by Eleanor Rosellini in "The Mystery of the Ancient Coins!"

This time, the dynamic brother-and-sister team of sensible Elizabeth and wacky Jonathan get to "work" cracking the case of the 5 missing ancient coins passed down for generations in the family of their "poor old Uncle Rudy Obermeyer." The story has everything our boys require to keep those pages turning -- scary moments, unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of comic relief (usually in the form of hilarious and "just-gross-enough" antics by the irrepressible Jonathan!) A fun and intriguing independent reading experience -- but also a wonderful read-aloud story for younger children or even the whole family!

Here's hoping for more great family mysteries from Eleanor Rosellini....

This is Mrs. Rosellini's second book about Elizabeth and Jonathan Pollack, ace detectives. The first book is The Puzzle in the Portrait. It is a really good mystery, too. The Mystery of the Ancient Coins is really good because the kids have lots of fun and adventures as they solve a mystery. It has good characters and good ways that the detectives solve their problems. They discover lots of clues along the way (and some things to throw you off) so you can try to solve the mystery as you read the book. It is a good book to read by yourself or with a grown-up. Plus, the author tells you at the end how to be a memory keeper for your own family.

I really like these kids. Not all brothers and sisters get along this well; often their frustrations with each other peek through but the reader knows they have each other's back and there is real affection there. The author has imbued her detectives with keen skills and they are not afraid to use them. My initial reaction to this series was, "No magic here." But there is a certain magic; Elizabeth and Jonathan use their senses, intuition, hunches to solve interesting mysteries. The joy they feel in the wake of discovery is contagious and both books are crafted so that the suspense builds at the end of a chapter so that the reader (or listener, for these are great read aloud stories) can't turn out the light before turning just one more page. The author has captured that enthusiasm that kids of my era had for entertaining themselves without TV or computer. Two other features to mention about these books: (1) These kids are American, descendant of immigrants (as are most of us), of German extraction and their mysteries have involved family (what an extended family!) history and heritage, and the author is dedicated to preserving family memories. (2) These kids are never at risk; their investigations never put them in any danger. The Mystery of the Ancient Coins is another wonderful visit with two sharp detectives.

Earning my living from numismatics, I can't afford to miss reading just about any book from the field of numismatics. So, I set myself down for some boring reading since I just hate Morgan dollars. But I was engrossed. Mr Bowers is a capable author as well as a famous numismatist. The history of all U.S. dollars is covered in brief, and then the history of why the Morgan dollar was even minted in the first place. Continues with how the original dies were made and includes portions of letters and notes from the people actually involved. There's intrigue, double-crossing, mystery, and so forth -- all in a reference book about one particular coin. You'd just never expect it. Of course, the remainder of the book deals with minting the coins and then a blow-by-blow for each date and mint in the series.

The best information and historical reference of the Morgan series I have read in years!

As someone new to the world of numismatics (but interested in Morgans) I was a bit confused by all the varieties, mintmarks, etc. This book explained everything to me. The history is quite fascinating. I am looking forward to getting my first "CC". Overall, a very heplful and well written book.

This book gives a concise desription of both the historical development of Morgan Silver Dollars as well as pratical information in determining the highlights of each Morgan Silver Dollar according to the chronological year. The book is informative and descriptive in its interpretation of the Morgan Silver Dollar. Most important the reading isn't dry but keeps you intrigued, especially the historical data associated with the Morgan Silver Dollar Series. The book is well written and definitely an addition to any numismatic literary collection.

Great book. I am new to collecting and selling coins. This gives me a basic idea of the value of coins I buy and sell. Of course book value and what a seller can get for a coin may be very different, this book helps to at least give me a starting pint.

This book has all the information that I need in finding what to look for in the grade of a coin and the price of that grade. I always go to this book before I buy a cion, to see if the cost is in the area listed.

#1 Best Selling Price Guide is a MUST:

The official RED BOOK a guide book to United States Coins R.S.Yeoman ed. Kenneth Bressett, 61th edition, Whitman, 2009.

Best in organization, easy of use, pictures, illustrations, & data, also the most popular. Whitman's RED BOOK is an essential guide, indispensable requisite and required handbook with up-to-date numismatic information.

Best of the best in the area of numismatics have contributed to this volume, the most notable, respected, knowledgeable and distinguished numismatist were consulted for the 61th edition.

165 plus prominent coin collectors auctioneers, and museums contributed directly to the 2009 Red Book Guide, Bressett, Jeff Garrett, Tom Hallenbeck, Steve Contursi, Ira & Larry Goldberg, Bill Fivaz, David Akers, Silvano DiGenova, the Smithsonian Institution, Heritage Galleries, the ANA money museum, Stack's Rare Coins, Superior Galleries, the United States Mint, and several dozens more.

The guide has some problems, notable some errors occurred and as I mentioned earlier "All" prices guides without exception are outdated by the time is printed, mainly due to market conditions, collector interest, commodities volatility, speculators, currency value, supply & demand, among others.

Numismatics is a hobby as any other do not expect a handsome return on your investment, at least not a monetary one. Have fun. Good luck.

This is a must be coin book for U.S. coin collectors. Very informative and much improved edition compare to the previous issues. I would highly recommend this to everyone collecting U.S. coins and its territories!

This portfolio is sturdy and well-designed. The slots for the quarters are tight so you dont have piles of change when you set it down. Nice descriptions of each state next to slot. Well worth the few dollars extra.

My kids absolutely love this portfolio...I do too. Each state has a placeholder (they pop out for the coin to be inserted) with the state name and mint location. The kids love searching for the state name and "P" or "D." This is a high quality folio, it's very sturdy and the coins stay put in their location.

If you're looking for an album where the coins come in and out with ease, this is not the album for you. If you're looking for a smaller album that fits nicely in an average shelf, this too is not for you (see dimensions).

The kids love to read over the state facts and then find the state location from the map of the U.S. on the center page. We have also used an additional cheap but good state coin book by Whitman (The Inside Story Of The State Quarters (Official Whitman Guidebook))that provides the kids with a larger look at the design of the coin and additional history.

This is a classroom size state quarter portfolio. With facts about each President, state trivia and room for all the state quarters, including both mint sites, this is a good beginner's coin holder . I enjoyed reviewing the American facts and the short biographies of the Presidents as much as I did filling in all the spaces for the coins. My grandkids liked it so much they started collections of their own, which was my original intent anyhow (:D).

My 5-year-old received this as a gift and has thoroughly enjoyed collecting the state quarters. I just bought one for my newborn and will collect for her until she's old enough to do it herself--especially since this will be continuing a number of years!