NEW BOOK: HALF A DOLLAR OF HISTORY

A special edition of a new book about silver United States early commemorative coins is now available. Marcin Rotocki's Half A Dollar of History, subtitled Classic U.S. Silver Commemorative Coins, The Complete Collector's Guide – 50 Types 1892-1954, debuted in late June. The book is available via print-on-demand through Amazon.com in either a paperback or hardback version.

Rotocki has partnered with numismatic bookseller Jeff Starck in the United States to offer 100 limited edition examples with signed and numbered bookplates. To add to the excitement of the offer, each of the bookplates feature the obverse of one of the 50 types featured in the book.

Sales of the limited-edition book were launched through coin groups on Facebook, and now sales are being opened to readers of The E-Sylum. The books are 272 pages, with full color images provided by Professional Coin Grading Service.

As of press time Aug. 2, about 89 examples remain available. Collectors may request a certificate with a specific number or a certificate with a specific commemorative coin, but buyers are advised to add backup options as 11 books are already sold (and Starck chose to keep No. 1.)

Rotocki's book is geared to the beginner to intermediate collector of commemorative coins, with each chapter on each program historical background and legislative context, as well as explaining grading and strike characteristics for each issue, and highlighting three different approaches to collecting each type. "If you are a seasoned expert or a veteran commem collector, you likely won't find groundbreaking new discoveries here," Rotocki said. "However, if you are someone who is just looking to start their adventure with commemoratives, or you want a solid, organized reference guide to the history and details of these 50 beautiful designs, I truly believe this book will be a fantastic resource for you." Softcover books are available through Amazon for about $40, with hardcover examples selling for about $60, though Amazon may change the price at varying times.

Half a Dollar of History is the most comprehensive single-volume guide to the classic U.S. silver commemorative half dollar series (1892–1954). Written from the perspective of a serious collector building the 50-Piece Type Set, it covers every issue in the series — from the Columbian Exposition Half Dollar of 1892 to the final Carver-Washington issues of 1954 — with equal attention to history, design, grading, and strategy.

What you'll find inside

• 50 chapters — one per coin type, each with full historical background, legislative context, and design analysis
• Specification tables for every issue: mintage, designer, physical parameters, market tier
• Grading guides — strike quality, toning characteristics, and the exact weak points to examine on each type
• Set-building strategy across three budget tiers: MS-63, MS-65, and MS-65/66+CAC
• Auction values — MS-65 median prices, April 2026
• Special appendix on the 1925 Norse-American Centennial Medal
• Coin photography courtesy of PCGS
• Glossary of Anglo-American numismatic terminology

The Year of Madness, the Drip Strategy, and the coins that survived both The classic commemorative series is not just a collection of beautiful silver — it is the story of how Congress, dealers, and speculators nearly destroyed collector trust in the 1930s. This book names names: the monopolization schemes, the fictitious anniversaries, the multi-mint drip strategies that created artificial scarcity. Understanding that history is what separates a collector who builds a great set from one who overpays for overgraded coins.

Publisher ? : ? Marcin Rotocki
Publication date ? : ? June 19, 2026
Language ? : ? English
Print length ? : ? 275 pages
ISBN-10 ? : ? 839817952X
ISBN-13 ? : ? 978-8398179522
Item Weight ? : ? 1.06 pounds
Dimensions ? : ? 6 x 0.65 x 9 inches

The limited-edition book retails for $80, and for E-Sylum readers includes free Media Mail shipping. Multiple payment methods are accepted, including Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, USPS money order, check or cashapp. To get payment details and to order the book, email Starck at jeffstarck@hotmail.com, or write to P.O. Box 190214, St. Louis, MO 63119.

For more information, or to order, see:
Half a Dollar of History: Classic U.S. Silver Commemorative Coins — The Complete Collector's Guide · 50 Types · 1892–1954 (https://www.amazon.com/Half-Dollar-History-Commemorative-Collectors/dp/839817952X/ref=sr_1_1)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web