New Book pick up, I think first edition of Guide To Morgan and Peace Dollars

[Jodemyer]

I have been able to add a few books that go along with my collecting obsession and added this recently. Pretty good shape still!

[keilg1]

Nope... there is an older one from 1965... but I don't believe this is the oldest either.

And, yes, I have this in my hand and refer to it often...

Varieties Van Allen 1965.jpg (58.66 KiB) Viewed 815 times

[DHalladay]

The 1965 book is the oldest one by LVA.
There is an older VAM reference, published in 1963, that LVA has said inspired him to start his research:

Klaes book.jpg (142.41 KiB) Viewed 809 times

[Jodemyer]

Thanks! @DHalladay @keilg1 Which one was the first of LVA and Mallis together?
Thanks!

[DHalladay]

Thanks! @DHalladay @keilg1 Which one was the first of LVA and Mallis together?
Thanks!

Your new one is the first of LVA and Mallis.

[Jodemyer]

Ok Thanks! I thought it was but was not sure. Now I have to find the others. I have looked for the Klaes one, well you know, can't find that one! lol
@DHalladay

[lioncutter]

Nice pick up on that edition. Not easy to find. Here is one of my prized possessions of A. George Mallis edition of 1964.

[Jodemyer]

@lioncutter Thanks! Thats awesome! Another one that I am sure is extremely elusive!

[messydesk]

The 1971 red and white book is the oldest VAM book, as it is the first collaboration between Leroy and Mallis. The 1965 book with the black and polka-dot cover is the first book that has Leroy's die numbering nomenclature in it. It also has catalog numbers that would become those used in the VAM book later. Some of these were made in hard cover. I bought one from AbeBooks and it was signed by Leroy to Eva Adams, the mint director.

[Jodemyer]

Thanks! @messydesk What a great piece of history for you to own, thats awesome!

[keilg1]

The 1971 red and white book is the oldest VAM book, as it is the first collaboration between Leroy and Mallis. The 1965 book with the black and polka-dot cover is the first book that has Leroy's die numbering nomenclature in it. It also has catalog numbers that would become those used in the VAM book later. Some of these were made in hard cover. I bought one from AbeBooks and it was signed by Leroy to Eva Adams, the mint director.

Crikey... what a piece of history!

[SilverToken]

The 1965 book is the oldest one by LVA.
There is an older VAM reference, published in 1963, that LVA has said inspired him to start his research:

Is This the Klaes 51?

[vampicker]

If you want to go back even further, the earliest attempt at Morgan Dollar variety listings is likely the Haseltine Type Table catalog from 1881. There are only four Morgans noted, One is listed as an 8TF proof, another describes the Reverse of 78 and notes it is uncirculated. There's a 1879 proof noted as well. The listing that stands out is the fairly detailed description of one of the pattern dollars, either Judd 1550 or 1550A.

Early listings of the basic hub design types appeared in articles published in the Numismatist. 'Die Varieties of the Current United States Standard Dollars.' by George W Rice was in the June 1898 edition. The February 1913 issue contains 'Standard Dollar Die Varieties of 1878-1879-1880.' by Howard Newcomb. This landmark work focuses on the changes on the reverse design and is plated. Figure 1 is clearly a Judd 1550A, Newcomb is better known for his works on middle and late date large cents, but he pioneered our field as well. His hub descriptions were the standard reference for the series for roughly 50 years until the work around the VAM system began. in the mid 60's.

[vampicker]

Hopefully, none of the pictures turn on me and some of you might be able to read Newcomb's work.

[Jodemyer]

Thanks! @vampicker
That is awesome!! I'm gonna have to do some digging I would love to read some of those! I did find the 1977 version for 8 bucks though! Smells like a strong cigar but I think that adds to it!

[vampicker]

That second edition is worth keeping close at hand if you ever try a date study. The early and less defined listings are usually present and more importantly, their plates are far superior to the 3rd and 4th edition.

[Jodemyer]

@vampicker
Thanks for the info, I will def set it back. I have not had a chance to read it yet but looking forward to going through the listings!

[UNCLE BINGO]

That's pretty cool! I love the old books on treasures !!!