America's Gold Coinage.
William E. Metcalf, Ed.
Coinage of the Americas Conference
Proceedings No. 6 (New York, The American Numismatic Society 1990)
ISBN 0-89722-238-5.
BOWERS, Q. DAVID. Collecting United States Gold Coins: A Numismatic History.
The collecting of United States gold coins is traced from its beginning in the 19th century to the present. During the first part of the 19th century the Mint Cabinet, a collection maintained at the Philadelphia Mint was the foremost repository for rare specimens. During the second part of the 19th century, collecting of gold issues by private individuals was mainly limited to lower denominations from lI through 1~3; it was not until the 20th century that collecting of S5 through I20 pieces became popular. However, proofs of all denominations were collected in a limited way from the late 1850s onward. The author traces the formation of important collections, changes in acquisition philosophies, and other topics germane to the subject.
BREEN, WALTER H. Metallic Panaceas: Gold Bugs, Silver Crusaders, and the Wizard of Oz.
The author discusses U.S. coinage standards through the end of the 19th century in light of contemporary monetary theories and political realities. An interesting aside is the analysis of Baum's Wonderful Wizard of 0z as political allegory depicting the opposing gold and silver standard advocates.
DOTY, RICHARD G. "An onerous and delicate task": Franklin Peale's Mission South, 1837.
Working with papers in the National Archives, the author traces the earliest days
of the Charlotte, NC, and Dahlonega, GA, branches of the United States Mint. Pro
blems in setting up the branches in those two places led to the sending of a special
trouble shooter from the Philadelphia Mint, the future Chief Coiner Franklin Peale.
GILLILLAND, CORY. U.S. Gold Bullion Coins: A NineteenthCentury Proposal.
In carrying out the specifics of the California Mint Act of 1852, U.S. Mint Director George N. Eckert stated that he intended to recommend the issue of large disks of uniform weight and fineness. He asked Mint Engraver James B. Longacre to prepare drawings for such a bullion issue. Longacre's drawings which are in the National Numismatic Collection, Smithsonian Institution, are illustrated and discussed in light of their historical background.
HAYES, JAMES A. The Politics of Coinage as Illustrated by Recent Commemorative Issues.
The author, a Member of Congress, details the political process that led to adoption of the law authorizing the U.S. Congressional Commemorative coins of 1989. Despite the design compromises necessitated by political considerations, the coins stand as artistic achievements.
HOSKINS, CHARLES R. In Search of the Imperfect Coin: A Cautionary Tale.
Drawing on two decades' experience as a numismatic authenticator, the author offers comparative illustrations of genuine and counterfeit United States gold coins and discusses the technical distinctions between them which make authentication possible.
JONES, ELIZABETH. Reflections on the Gold Coinage of the Twentieth Century.
The artistic majesty of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens coinage of the early 20th century is discussed in light of his personal relationship with President Theodore Roosevelt, who inspired the complete redesign of U.S. coinage. Contrasted to this are other episodes in U.S. coinage history, particularly that of recent commemorative issues, where the convergence of political and artistic interests has produced markedly different results.
McCLOSKEY, JOHN W. A Study of Classic Half Eagles, 1834-1838.
This article describes the die characteristics of Classic gold half eagles and gives information on the identification of the 31 known die varieties for the five year series. Drawings of the different date styles are presented along with pictures for some of the varieties. Rarity ratings for some of the varieties are provided. Additional information on authentication for the rare branch mint issues of 1838 is also included.