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by Shawn Halversen, 22 Jul 1993
I just recieved the third edition of The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent by Sol Taylor, and I thought I'd share some impressions of it with you.
First, it is greatly expanded since the second edition. I would say there are about 50% more pages than the second edition. This is mainly due to the more detail that is put into the chapter containing the date-by-date analysis. Now included are PCGS population reports (Nov. 1991) to indicate the relative rarity of the mint-state coins. Also there is quite a bit on the varities available for each date, along with approximate premiums these varieties have been bringing.
Also covered, is a nice examination of the 1943 copper cents, and the lesser known 1944 steel cents, along with prices realized at auction. Sol Taylor will be talking about this at the ANA convention. (One important point he did not point out is that one of the coins shown is probably counterfeit. He reproduces an ad indicating an off-center 1943 copper cent. In the ad copy it states that the coin is heavier than a normal coin because it was struck off-center. Not likely, I don't know how a planchet can gain or lose mass depending on the strike. This seems to indicate it is fake.)
Another interesting thing Sol included are dealers' price lists from years ago. The prices on the coins were unbelievable--BU 1909-S VDB $15, etc.
Overall, I would say that the third edition is greatly improved over the second edition, and that I felt it was a good buy. The cover price is $19.95, although it is possible to get it for a discount (I paid $13.95).
Shawn Halversen
(Just my two cents worth. I like to think they are BU 1909-S VDBs, when they are probably just AG 1919s. A little numismatic humor . . . very little.)
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