SERIALLY NUMBERED NUMISMATIC BOOKS

Serially numbering numismatic books — is it worth doing?

Since most of the books written on obscure corners of numismatics are limited editions, I wonder about the value of adding this feature to the title pages. Medals are sometimes numbered on their edges and lithographed and silkscreened artwork is signed and numbered down in the lower right hand margin. But what about books, especially numismatic ones?

• What experience have you had with serially numbered limited edition books?
• Are serially numbered numismatic books more collectable?
• Do they add sales appeal to a book’s purchase without adding value? (Like swimming pools in residential real estate).
• Should books be signed as well by the author other than when requested by a buyer?

A bit of background: In 1966 I serially numbered by first little book, the 85-page Spanish to English dictionary Numismatic Terms of Spain & Spanish America — all 1,000 copies. I sold them all, eventually, but I have no idea if having numbered them added to the appeal. I have seen copies offered for sale with the serial number mentioned! I was age 21 then, by the by.

My pal Dick Johnson (and technical editor of my new book) told me not to bother, but I did it 50 years ago and I am going to continue the slightly delayed tradition now with El Numiscadero, the 352-page Spanish-English numismatic dictionary for this century. I will report to you by mid-December how many hours it takes to stamp 1000 books and pack them back into their cartons.

A numbering machine by Faska cost me $25 — more industrial models can cost 10 times that amount. Your printer may have a device you could use for free.

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web