BOOK REVIEW: COINS AND CURRENCY

Coins and Currency: An Historical Encyclopedia
by Mary Ellen Snodgrass

Next to the title page are listed some books on other subjects by Ms. Snodgrass, but this seems to be her first effort to write on Numismatics. I have the 2003 hard bound edition, although I see that a new edition is due out in June of this year. The subjects are in alphabetical order, and also indexed. The book has 562 pages. There are many short biographies of people connected to coins and coinage. One that interested me was of Thomas Gresham. Of course I knew of his famous law, but not of his personal life.

Another interesting thing that would be of value to collectors of world coinage is 27 pages of translations of coin mottos into English. Most are from Latin, but some from other languages.

There is a two page list of famous counterfeiters of the world, the dates they were active, and their fate. England was especially hard on counterfeiters, most of them were hanged. Also a 4+ page list of pirates, dates active, and their fate, most not good, although one wrote a book. There is a three page list of money slang, mostly American or British.I had often heard the slang, quid, now I know it means a British Pound. Also much information on shipwrecks.

Used copies of this book can be purchased quite inexpensively on line. I believe it would find a good place in most numismatic libraries.

Throughout history, money has developed along with society. During ancient times currency took many forms, including such varied items as beaver skins and sea salt blocks. As societies made technological and artistic advancements, their monetary systems and currencies advanced as well. Today, coins and currency are an important part of the historical and archaeological record, providing information regarding the culture, religion, interests, and major leaders of societies throughout the world.

This updated second edition offers numerous entries of historical commentary on the role of coins and currency in human events, politics and the arts. Beginning with the origin of coins in ancient Sumeria, this reference work follows advancements in metallurgy and minting machines to paper, plastic and electronic currencies designed to ease trade and halt counterfeiting. A timeline of important events in the history of money is included, along with a glossary and bibliography. Photographs of coins and bills enhance the text, providing an up-close look at many beautiful artifacts.

To read the earlier article, see:
MORE ON THE MYSTERY WB WREATH-WREATH MEDAL (https://www.coinbooks.org/v22/esylum_v22n15a12.html)

For more information from Amazon, see:
Coins and Currency: An Historical Encyclopedia (https://www.amazon.com/Coins-Currency-Mary-Ellen-Snodgrass/dp/0786414502/ref=sr_1_2)
Coins and Currency: An Historical Encyclopedia 2nd Edition (https://www.amazon.com/Coins-Currency-Mary-Ellen-Snodgrass/dp/1476677964/ref=sr_1_1)

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