BOOK REVIEW: CENTS AND HALF CENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS

This past weekend I obtained a copy of Mike Packard's new book about Massachusetts Cents and Half Cents. Now we have the standard reference book for all of the state coppers of the Confederation period. For over the past 30 years I have been encouraging (Mike may say harassing) Mike to publish this book, as everyone in the colonial coin arena recognizes him as THE expert on the topic. I was so desperate for this book that I made a book for myself using articles Mike published and handout material from his many presentations. I obtained online images and voila! - A Mass Copper book by Mike Packard. I showed it to him and told him he's already written the book. But he wanted much more than what I consolidated from his works.

Well, it's here! 280+ pages. The book covers so much information. I'd be hard pressed to think of anything that the book doesn't cover on topic - the need, the legislations, the finances, the people, the mint, the designs, die variety attributions, rarity, etc. The front part of the book is an easy read for a snowy evening when there's nothing good to watch on the 300+ channels you pay for. Just brew a fresh pot of coffee and relax with the book in your recliner...

I'm not a book reviewer, so I'll stop on the content there - I'll leave the review to others. The state coppers are the forerunners of our Large Cents and Half Cents. As such, a type example for each would fit in nicely with the Philadelphia Mint products. Of all the state coppers, those of Massachusetts most closely connect because they were struck to a federal weight standard and actually denominated in Cents and Half Cents. If our state coppers can be called the parents of our federal copper coinage, then the aunts, uncles and grandparents would be the British halfpence and farthings going back to Charles II.

Enough of me rambling... The book can be obtained from Charlie Davis or David Fanning - both numismatic booksellers. Place an order, you won't be disappointed.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: CENTS AND HALF CENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n41a04.html)

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