The Numismatic Bibliomania Society Logo

PREV ARTICLE       NEXT ARTICLE       FULL ISSUE       PREV FULL ISSUE      

V3 2000 INDEX       E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 3, Number 11, March 12, 2000, Article 3

CRITIC'S CORNER, CONTINUED: BREEN'S ENCYCLOPEDIA

Allan Davisson writes:

"Re: Breen's numbering problem: Dalton and Hamer had the same problem. That is why they used the obscure term "bis" when something came along that merited insertion. Open-ended numbering systems can be problematic as well. Richard Lobel has come up with a new and endlessly open system for numbering English coins but I find it cumbersome and oddly unsatisfying."

In contrast, Alan Luedeking writes:

"I believe Mr. Schmidt's assessment of Breen's straight-through numbering system was perhaps a trifle harsh; first off, the empties are specifically "reserved for future issues" and are only available after currently circulating issues. No other meaning can possibly be intended. Should a new intra-type item be discovered (such as the cited 1914/13 Buffalo variety), it ought to be given the number 2592.1. If 23 new varieties of a particular coin were to be discovered the number of the last one would simply be XXXX.23. Sub-sub varieties (or die states) could be easily added, such as a XXXX.6.2. The obvious advantage is that the item number is always in order, and you can instantly tell when any item is a post-Breen discovery.

Secondly, the system allows for infinite expansion everywhere. No more large cents located within the Lincoln cents, which Breen, who was a superb mathematician, never intended. Also, given that the Federal issues are not strictly organized by denomination but by first by metal and then by denomination, (note nickel three-cent pieces occur before silver trimes), straight through numbering makes sense, since it is always easy to find any piece by number, regardless of type."

Wayne Homren, Editor

Google NBS (coinbooks.org) Web

Content presented in The E-Sylum is not necessarily researched or independently fact-checked, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

This is a static archive page documenting the originally published content. Links were active at the time of publication but may no longer work. Check subsequent issues for corrections and commentary.

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature.   For more information please see our web site at http://www.coinbooks.org/ There is a membership application available on the web site.  To join, print the application and return it with your check to the address printed on the application.  Visit the Membership page. Those wishing to become new E-Sylum subscribers (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page link.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: E-Sylum Editor

Copyright © 1998 - 2020 The Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS)
All Rights Reserved.

NBS Home Page
Contact the NBS Webmaster
Privacy Policy