So-Called Dollars: An Illustrated Standard Catalog

Harold E. Hibler; Kappen, Charles V.

ISBN 10: 0871841029 / ISBN 13: 9780871841025

Published by Coin & Currency Inst, 2008

Clean text. Seller Inventory # 250310001

Synopsis:

When So-Called Dollars was published it was the first, and it is still the only book to deal comprehensively with its subject matter. The book begins with the legendary Erie Canal Completion issues of 1826 and proceeds to catalog 135 years of the Golden Age of American history, all the way up to 1961. Although there have been many propositions for reviving the book over the years, none were more than theoretical musings until two collectors, Tom Hoffman of Crystal Lake, IL and Jonathan Brecher of Cambridge, MA set the process in motion. They have been joined by two others, Dave Hayes and John Dean, to produce a remarkable new edition, of the sort that can only be the product of dedicated hobbyists who love their subject and see it as their obligation to share with others the knowledge gained from years of collecting. While the second edition holds true to the original in basic style and in substance, prices have skyrocketed and it offers much that is new. There are many more illustrations than in the first edition. In fact, virtually every type is now represented by a photograph. More historical information for the issues is presented in the text, which has been further expanded with additional listings of both previously unknown metal varieties and totally new items. The size of each item is now given in mm rather than in 16ths of an inch as in the 1963 edition. Each issue has been assigned a rarity rating of from R-1, indicating more than 5,000 known, to R-10, meaning “unique.” In addition, a loose-leaf price guide included in each book at no additional charge. The index has been expanded to include references to more subjects and places. Finally, there is a section of color plates. The Hibler & Kappen book remains the standard reference work on the subject with its “HK” numbers an instantly recognizable means of cataloging and identification.

From the Inside Flap: When So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen was published in 1963 it was the first, and today, more than forty years later, it remains the only book on this specialized series of exposition, commemorative and monetary medals approximating dollar size. Beginning with the legendary Erie Canal Completion issues of 1826, 135 years of American history is reflected in the array of issues catalogued inside.While holding true to the original book in style and substance, prices and interest in so-called dollars have skyrocketed and much in this long-awaited second edition is new Many more illustrations, more historical information, more listings including previously unknown metal varieties and totally new items.Sizes are listed in mm rather than in 16ths of an inch as in the 1963 edition.Cross references to Eglit, Turner, Rulau, and more.Loose-leaf price guide included .Section of color plates.After decades out of print, the second edition of So-Called Dollars is the result of years of effort by a team of dedicated collectors - Tom Hoffman, Dave Hayes, Jonathan Brecher and John Dean with the cooperation of a who s who in the field of medals and tokens. So-Called Dollars is more than an illustrated standard catalog. It is also a literary and social history, capturing for collectors some of the most remarkable social phenomena of an American golden age. For its unique study of America s growth and development as seen through its medals, it is well worth the attention of anyone interested in numismatics, history, politics and economics. After nearly half a century, it is still the only volume of its kind in existence.

Bibliographic Details

Title: So-Called Dollars: An Illustrated Standard ...
Publisher: Coin & Currency Inst
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: paperback
Condition: Good