UNITED STATES GOLD PATTERNS

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The One Hundred Greatest Items Of United States Numismatic Literature Rank: Number 90

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Clain-Stefanelli 12441, Davis 17

If patterns are the record of “what might have been,” then surely gold patterns are the realization of the coiner’s grandest daydreams. In this, the definitive photographic record of United States gold patterns, Akers’ ably catalogued the John E. Wilkison collection, a cabinet which clearly required much more than a generous checkbook to assemble. Indeed, Akers describes the task as consuming over thirty years of patience and persistence. The author further gathered images from the most important institutional collections in order to present a thorough examination of the subject. The technical production of the book – sumptuous color photography, gilt pages, thick end papers, and a die impressed cover of the celebrated Judd-1776 – is well paired with the content therein. A final tribute is found in Garrett/Guth's Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795–1933 (#74), who credit Akers’ photographer (Tom Mulvaney) for many of the gold patterns depicted in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins.

1^st Edition

AKERS, David W. UNITED STATES GOLD PATTERNS: A PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE GOLD PATTERNS STRUCK AT THE UNITED STATES MINT FROM 1836 TO 1907.
Racine, WI: 1975
115pp, illustrated
Quarto: 28.5 x 22.5 cm
Hardbound: Maroon processed leather, lettered in gilt, blind-stamped cover, all page edges gilt.