1 comments about The Standard Catalog of Hard Times Tokens 1832-1844: The Most Complete Catalog Ever Assembled of the Coin Substitures, Merchant Counterstamps and Satirical ... of the Jacksonian Period (Standard Catalog).

1. This book focussing on a period of time which the authors state is known at America's First Great Depression, is one of the most well-constructed and well-thought out numismatic books I own. It has loads of great photos (1000) accompanied by important information (relative rarity, size, metal, production year, 2000-01 auction results where applicable, and fascinating commentary that helps to identify or place the token in the genre). According to the authors in their rather opaque and fuzzy introduction, these Hard Times Tokens took the place of circulating change because of a shortage resulting from the peculiar Jacksonian economic politics of the time (including the fight over a Federal banking system). Hence their artwork and slogans often trenchantly reflected the contemporary politics prevailing (either in the form of satire or pure political sentiment). In recognition of this, the authors dedicate an entire section of this book to the Satirical Hard Times Token genre, in addition to cataloguing the token issues along individual State lines. Additionally, there are sections concerning Hard Times related Ephemera/Paraphernalia/Notes, so-called 'Store Cards,' and even Slave Tags. The appendices contain information on the ever-expanding numbering system; an examination of the methodology used for identifying coin states and iterations; discussions on token designers and producers; and wonderful photographic blow-ups as examples. As I said, this reference is jam packed with essential information. As such, I highly recommend this book to seasoned collector and novice alike. It rates 4 stars only because, for the price, it should be hardbound. A new stand alone edition of this text has been released approximately every 5 years so this 9th Edition should remain current until the next prospective update in the year 2006/7.

No comments about Greenberg's Guide to Ives Trains 1901-1932, Volume II - O Gauge.

1 comments about Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World.

1. Nothing is better than finding the clockmaker or watchmaker name you're looking for, and this book is the best way to do it. It's more of a surprise when you don't find the name you need. Saw this reviewed in the NAWCC Bulletin; membership in this organization is vital, too!

No comments about Toy Cars & Trucks: Identification and Value Guide (2nd ed).

No comments about 20th Century Plastic Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about Bookman's Price Index: Cumulative Index, Vols 47-54 : A Consolidated Index to 160,000 Citations Describing Antiquarian Books Offered for Sale by Leading Dealers (Bookman's Price Index).

1 comments about Pictorial Guide to Silvered Mercury Glass: Identification & Values.

1. I haven't seen a great deal on this subject, so interested readers may want this. At least they can get some idea of the variety and beauty of these pieces. Many of the pictures are extremely blurry, as though either the camera or the object was shaking. Perhaps it has to do with the difficulties of photographing highly reflective surfaces, but some of the pictures are very good, so that's a doubtful hypothesis.

1 comments about All Paris, Second Edition (Tout Paris).

1. This book appears in one scene of David Lynch's movie "Mulholland Drive" (2001)

1 comments about Czechoslovakian Glass & Collectibles: Book II : Identification & Value Guide (Czechoslovakian Glass & Collectibles).

1. Biggest disappointment: Details of those items pictured with black backgrounds are often difficult to see. The majority of those items would have displayed much better with a different color background. It takes a lot of books on Czech items to find what you're looking for. That gets a bit expensive. I've had very good luck finding less expensive books at bookfinder4u.com. Even the supposedly used ones that I've received have been in nearly excellent condition.

No comments about Doll Collector's Record Organizer: A Guide to Managing Your Collection.