A TREATISE ON THE COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES BRANCH MINTS
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The One Hundred Greatest Items Of United States Numismatic Literature Rank: Number 30
Clain-Stefanelli 12524, Davis 495, Sigler 1194
Although auction cataloguers sometimes recorded mintmarks prior to Heaton (Woodward’s 46th sale in 1882, for example, mentions a prooflike 1870-CC dollar), Heaton was the first to formally investigate the issue and publish his findings. To be sure, the book is full of inaccuracies, such as his discussion of 1873-CC dimes, but to quibble over such points ignores the game changing nature of Heaton’s tome, for this book marks the genesis of branch mint rarity, a concept previously only considered on a date-by-date basis. Now the 1870-S dollar (unmentioned in Heaton, by the way) could be compared with delicacies such as 1827 quarters and 1822 half eagles. A hundred years would elapse before late twentieth century collectors further expanded the definition in order to radically embrace condition rarity. Still, although revolutionary in 1893, this volume has been superceded by many references, and remains a book more significant for being the first of its kind, than for its actual content.
1st Edition
HEATON, Augustus G. A TREATISE ON THE COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES BRANCH MINTS.
Washington, DC: 1893
54pp
Octavo
Softbound: Gilt printed white card covers
1984 Reprint
Photo courtesy of Steve Shupe Numismatic Library.
New York: Foundation for Numismatic Education, Inc., 1984
54pp
Octavo
Softbound: Cream card covers
1987 Reprint
Photo courtesy of Alaska Coin Exchange.
Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers and Merena Galleries Inc., 1987
54pp
Octavo
Softbound: Light green card covers
Limited to 2,000 copies.