Paper Money Books

I first met Pierre Fricke and his friend Randy Shipley at the Nashville CW show a couple of years ago and ended up going home with a copy of a singularly large book on the subject of collecting Confederate paper money. Once I began looking through it, I could not put it down. It was not just a calalogue of prices or a "how to" opus, but instead contained the most detailed information I had ever seen on Confederate currency. In particular, I was drawn to the subject of error notes and found to my suprise that I had a couple of known examples in my own small collection. Though a weighty reference indeed, I manfully carried that book to every show I could make and wore a lot of dealers out looking things up. Pierre was patient enough to allow me to share my finds with him and he has been gracious enough to acknowledge my efforts.

At last a new "field" edition of that work has just been published with many updates and new finds and the pricing and rarity scales adjusted accordingly. The current work is perhaps the most useful guide and study of Confederate currency ever. It is easy to carry, look things up, and has superb color photographs of known error examples. Also contained within is a magnificent wealth of information designed to appeal to every collector from beginner to expert. The first 104 pages would have been a a worthwhile publication in and of themselves. I can only hope that as new finds are made and information uncovered that we can look forward to future updated editions. Well done!!

For many years I have researched the counterfeiting of Confederate Treasury notes during the Civil War. This excellent book will be a great deal of help to collectors in identifying these counterfeits because some of them were better produced than the genuine notes were.

Pierre Fricke's Field Edition of Collecting Confederate Paper Money (published late 2008) is a "must have" reference for all collectors of Confederate currency, both novices and advanced numismatists alike, as well as Civil War buffs and historians. It is the single, most important and comprehensive source ever published for understanding and enjoying the history, varieties and market values of paper currency issued from 1861 to 1865 by the Confederate States of America (save, perhaps, Mr. Fricke's "bible" of Confederate currency published in 2005). But frankly, the new Field Edition is far more enjoyable to read. The glossy paper comprising the 454 pages of the book is of the absolute finest quality, and all of the several hundred photographs are in gorgeous, full living color. In addition, it is published by the highly renowned numismatic companies of Spink and Smythe. As one of the few modern day collectors to own all 72 of the different types of Confederate currency (including the Montgomeries, the Indian Princess, and the XX-2 and XX-3 notes illustrated on pages 283-286), I unhesitating recommend the Field Edition to anyone with even the most passing interest in paper money of the Confederacy. Dale Alberstone, Beverly Hills.

This book is essential for the collector of Confederate Treasury notes. Finding and attributing your notes is easy. The layout uses the well-known types, and the varieties are easy to understand with the vast array of images. Knowing the correct attribution of your Confederate Treasury notes is the key to their rarity and value. This reference work is the new standard in its field.

As a collector of CSA type and variety notes, I find the portability, accuracy and detail of the information contained in this book to be simply remarkable. If you are a novice or an advanced collector, this book will educate you and probably save you money. A must have for your library!

CS:

I received this book and believe it is as expected. Price is at FMV (Fair Market Value). I have not yet proof read it but what I have seen it makes a great reference for those who collect currency. However, it would have been helpful to include the Friedberg number in the Appendix along with the description. Yes, this number can be variable but you have included prices that are also variable and approximate. It may have been better to give a ratio(range)year column price divided by the face value of the currency.

This book was exactly what I expected. Good photos and stories behind 100 of the most famous notes in history. Great as a reference or as a coffe table book.

This is an incredible book to have in your library if your a collector of U.S. Paper Currency or not. Stunning pictures of each of the notes this book goes into great detail in discussing. I have this book and the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins book sitting out in my livingroom for all to see and everyone who has stopped by can not help but pick up these books. Then the oh's and ah's start pouring out !!! Absolute incredible book to have in anyone's private library without a doubt.

It is the rare numismatic book that is educational AND entertaining. This book is one of those rare books.
I wrote a review of this book for the Bank Note Reporter, the newpaper for collectors of paper money. I have included an only slightly altered version of that review below.

My best purchase at the Chicago Paper Money Exposition was a copy of the new book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by two of my favorite numismatists--Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman. Chet Krause and Cliff Mishler wrote a foreword for the book making that four of my favorites all in one book. No, that is not right. Tom Denly was something called valuations editor for the book so that makes five of my favorite--and greatest--numismatists all in one volume.
In short, the book is beautiful to behold and a joy to read. That sums it up quite nicely, but I do have a lot more to say about it. I feel that I am particularly qualified to do this because I had started a book with exactly the same premise. I still have my notebook with my work. That means that they stole my idea! Of course that is easy to say after they have completed their work and I only have a notebook. It is also untrue. The original idea was Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's popular 100 Greatest American Coins. Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery. I must also say that Bowers and Sundman did a far better job than I would have done (not that I did not have a few enhancements).
The basic premise of the book is to select and discuss the 100 greatest American notes. The authors have done this admirably. The basic methodology was to survey a wide group of dealers asking them to list what they considered to be the top notes. While the methodology was good and the results were great, my first complaint is that I would have liked to have learned more about the methodology. The authors tabulated the results then provided the discussion. As the creators of this project, they have a greater insight than anyone on the subject. I would at a minimum have liked to read more of their thoughts on the results, but these are small complaints.
If you have not seen the book you can cast a silent vote right now for your top note or top ten. Now that you have done that, you will probably not be surprised that the clear favorite of the survey was the "Grand watermelon" ($1000 Series 1890 Silver Certificate). The authors expected it to be number one and I had it number one in the notes for my book. You have to figure that a note with a nickname like that would come in first or to look at it the other way that a note worthy of being first would have a nick name. Indeed, nine of the top ten have nicknames.
Two pages are devoted to discussing the grand watermelon and each of the top ten notes. Thereafter it is one page per note. This is the meat of the book. Indeed, the book could just as easily have been something like 100 Great Paper Money Stories.
The two Davids excelled in the preparation of the text to describe the notes. They supplemented the illustrations of the notes and their discussions with additional illustrations (some of these of coins (gasp)). Most ot these are excellent and some are great in both content and quality. They are a highlight of the book. This seems to be an appropriate place to mention the superb quality of book production. It is color throughout and truly excellent. My one complaint is that the book is in a large format 10 x 12 inches. Many people will consider this a feature. Authors (including me) like these large formats, but they are harder to read. They look great on the coffee table, but are difficult to handle curled up in a chair or in an airline torture seat.
I did not know that the watermelon description of this note could be traced back to an 1891 newspaper story. Perhaps I had read this before, but if I had, I had forgotten it. The entire quotation from the paper is included. From the footnotes at the back of the book I learned this interesting tidbit. The quotation is "From an 1891 clipping, no day date, in a scrapbook compiled in 1891 and 1892 (now owned by Q. David Bowers)." I found many of the notes worth reading.
Each entry includes a box with "historic Market Values" and "Commentary on Value." This is the work of the valuations editor. This book is not a catalog of values (I like that), but the inclusion of this information is interesting in its own right and is nice balances with the text and graphics. When I was working on my project, I had not thought of anything like this.
Number two in the survey is the $500 national bank note. It is a good and obvious choice. It was also number two on my list.
The third note in the survey is Massachusetts Bay Colony 5-shilling notes of December 10, 1690. It is the first government-issue American paper money (according to Eric Newman). Among other interesting (amazing) things that I learned in this entry is that in the 17th century the annual calendar ran from March 25 to March 24. I also learned that the unique example of this note resides in the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts. That is certainly an appropriate city. I wonder if the note is on public display.
The balance of the top ten are very interesting indeed. Instead of being great rarities they are dominated by relatively common notes and certainly are affordable in circulated grades to most collectors. The one exception is number eight, the "Spread Eagle Note" (Series of 1862 and 1863 $100 Legal Tender note).
The others are respectively in positions four though ten (except eight): Lazy Deuce ($2 National Bank Note), $5 Educational note (Series of 1896 Silver Certificate), and Bison Note" (Series of 1891 $10 Legal Tender note), $1 "Educational Note (Series of 1896 Silver Certificate," $20 "Technicolor note" (Series of 1905 Gold Certificate, and the "Indian Chief" (Series of 1899 $5 Silver Certificate).
The other ninety notes include a wide array of interesting and historical notes. The entry on every single one is worth studying, but to me the most interesting (especially for discussion here) are those that might not be obvious choices.
United States fractional notes get two entries on the list. Interestingly, number 14, the fractional currency shield, is not a note at all, but a virtual collection of notes. Having said, that I think that it is a good choice.
Four Confederate notes make the list with several of them having nicknames (the Indian Princess and Montgomery notes (two denominations making the list)).
That vast, amorphous, and ill defined area known as obsolete notes are also included. Numbers 23 and 24 are Santa Clause notes and polar bear notes even though they are more categories than actual notes. Again, I think that they were good choices.
I was pleased and even a little surprised to see both World War II issues (Hawaii and North Africa) make the top 100. They won their places because of their extraordinary historical reasons for issue.
These various categories of notes included in the book are the apparent reason for the awkward book title. I offer this criticism with respect because I struggled with this problem in my unversion of this book. If you say United States notes you probably should not include Confederate notes. Colonial and Continental notes would not really fit. "Obsolete" notes would be in doubt too. Even American notes (as chosen) presents some problems. Does American include Canada? Mexico? I do not like the term currency notes, but I understand the problem. Bank notes does not fit because most of the notes selected were not issued by banks under any definition. Many people (unfortunately) would simply say currency but that is a very bad choice because currency is coins and paper money. In most constructions paper money does not work (100 Greatest American Paper Money). Even notes has some problems. Certainly, national bank notes are notes. but are silver and gold certificates notes? In the final analysis, having said that I do not like what we was used, but I do not have a better title.
I love the book, but I disagree with some of the choices. That is one of the wonderful aspects of books of lists. They are certain to generate discussion if not controversy. I was surprised that no error or star notes made the list. I can understand that they can be excluded as being sort of varieties of other issues, but, still, I think that a token from either or both of these categories could have been included.
You will probably not be surprised that I think that a military payment certificate should have been on the list. Having said that, I should be prepared to tell you which one. I gave that considerable thought in my work. I considered the unknown replacements and the unique replacements. Of course there is the Series 541 $5 with its attractive design and world record price history. I thought about the unique specimen booklets for Series 541 and 591. I really liked them because they have nicknames ("Comptroller Booklets"). Finally, I decided that the best choice would be the unique specimen and progressive proof set of Series 661. It does not have a widely recognized nickname, but it is still a good choice. I had a brief exchange with Tom Denly on this very subject after drafting this review. He said that he thought that if an MPC were to be included, it should be something like a Series 692 $10 or $20 because they would be very recognizable and would also be collectible. I like his thinking!
There are other good features good features of the book that I have not mentioned. The formatter is all quite good. You can imagine my surprise at finding my name mentioned. Earning that honor as an old timer (my term) is a double edged honor. The selected bibliography and recap of the top 100 in an appendix are also useful.
I expect that this will be a very successful book, just as the Garrett-Guth version on coins was. Can it generate more spinoffs like the 100 Greatest World Notes, or even the 100 Greatest National Bank Notes? I doubt it, but I would love to have both of those in my own library.
If it is not obvious, I highly recommend 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David Sundman. It was published by Whitman Publishing and should be available wherever numismatic books are sold and even in many book stores at around $30.

This one begins at the Drones Club, just like several of the Bertie Wooster stories, but these are not the Wooster characters. But with wonderful names like the Biscuit, Torquil, Kitchie, and Merwyn Flock, PGW does use some of his usual character types and plot lines: couples engaged to the wrong people, young men needing money. This is good vintage Wodehouse and a rather complex novel, not just a series of stories thrown together. And it was a lot of fun. But give me Bertie Wooster any day!

This 1931 novel has long been one of my favorites among Wodehouse's many novels. It's a mix of farce and romantic comedy; whereas in much of Wodehouse's later work, the love plots seem almost perfunctory, here the romance between English Berry Conway and American Ann Moon (Wodehouse loved to work in trans-continental romances for his American readers) takes up much of the novel and is given a sweetness and warmth not always apparent in Wodehouse's funny, but sometimes slightly mechanical, post-WWII work. Of course, there's plenty of farcical action too, including many inspired sequences set in Wodehouse's "Valley Fields" (a thinly disguised version of the London suburb Dulwich). The hilarious chapter in which Lord Hoddesdon visits Valley Fields - and runs into a menacing fellow with an admiration for Stalin - is alone worth the price of this wonderful book.

I enjoy all of P.G. Wodehouse's novels, and this one is just great. I really liked it. The story kept me interested. If you like a book that's funny and witty here's the book for you.

I LOVE Wodehouse. I have this system where I try to read really thick "smart" books. You know, like the kind you bring up when you're trying to impress people with your intellectual prowess ("Oh yes, I completely agree. In fact, in the 'Metaphysics of Morals', Kant says basically the same thing, albeit more obtusely.") When my brains slither out through my ears in protest, that's when I know that it is time to put down the philosophy and pick up a Wodehouse. They're insanely funny and impossibly witty, and it gives me time to collect the pieces of my gray matter and shove them back in my head for another go at snooty intellectualism.

Clearly THE book for the beginner and intermediate collector. It gives an excellent overview of each type of note (Nationals, Silver Certs, etc.) as well brief descriptions of each note within each type. A great way to learn the history associated with the engravings on U.S. paper currency from the Civil War (1861) to the present.

And, of course, the Friedberg numbering scheme is the standard method of referencing notes among collectors and dealers alike.

It should be noted however, that the values given for the notes are very rough approximations (very conservative). This is especially true for the UNC grade(MS60-64). There are no values for GEM notes (MS65+).

If you're looking for a comprehensive note reference with ball park values, this book is for you.

I find this is a great book for any collector of U.S. Currency. Crisp photos of just about EVERY diff Note 1861-Current (Very Nice color section in the back) and up-to-date pricing in the fast changing currency market. Also great for keeping track of your own collection. Definately Recommended!

This is the standard reference work on United States Currency for the collector. While the prices given are pretty much obsolete in the volatile currency market, the Friedberg Numbering system is universally used by dealers and collectors alike. If you are considering participation in floor or online auctions, you cannot tell what you are bidding on without this book, as all notes will be listed by FR#. Well worth the investment!

This book is a must-have for the serious US currency collector, along with the Standard Catalog, 17th edition. Together they provide a great catalog and price guide for US Treasury issues. There are good sections on fractionals and Confederate currency, and decent treatment of colonials. No obsoletes or military payment certificates. The black and white photos are quite a bit larger than those in the Standard Catalog. The color pictures in the back are a nice touch, but the printing is not the world's greatest -- many of the reds come out as pinks, the greens look almost fluorescent, etc.

There aren't many anecdotes or interesting bits of trivia, but as a guide and catalog it is top notch.

This is THE BOOK on the money of World War II. It represents hundreds of hours of research by two prominent numismatists: Fred Schwan and Joe Boling. Indeed, no other two humans could have produced this masterpiece. Over 850 large format pages with thousands of illustrations it remains the definitive word on the subject. What is needed is a new edition; the sooner the better since this book was published in 1995. This comment doesn't diminish whatsoever the importance and usefulness of the present volume. It was named Book of the Year by both the Numismatic Literary Guild and the International Bank Note Society. I highly recommend it to all readers interested in either World War II or numismatics.

This is simply the most extensive work and study on all forms of paper money (also a little something for numismatists and scriptophilists) issued during the Second World War, thus the title of the book. It goes further than just being a "Catalogue" as it unveils the history behind the issues and disseminates data much like a detective novel, piecing together long forgotten information. Simply a must for all Military Notes enthusiasts and World War Two buffs and anyone interested in history and economic effects during the war.

This is the definitive WWII numismatic reference. It's 863 pages cover coins, currency and medals of all wartime issues by Allied, Axis, and non-belligerent countries. The scope is incredible when one considers the number of government entities involved. Currencies were issued, not only by countries, but literally all colonies who were cut off from the mother country. Armies issued their own military currency. Occupying powers issued currency to control the economies of occupied countries. This is more than a catalog, it is a history lesson, as the title implies. This is as the authors intended. The book includes short descriptions to introduce each country (as they were in 1940-45). It also addresses how countries financed their military forces, including bonds, lottery tickets, tax notices, etc. Currency control measures were complex almost beyond belief. For the numismatist (or economist) interested in the WWII era this book is an absolute must.

I use this book almost daily, and it is an incredible book - it does an incredible job covering money during world war two. It lists a large number of monetary issues and it is just incredible what they've accomplished here. Just incredible. Admittedly there's a few things such as the numbering system, etc. that are frustrating for me, but those things are relatively minor and I'm sure those things are going to be resolved in the next edition. Its worth every penny I paid for this book. I highly suggest this book to anyone with an interest and I suggest this for every library to own as well.

Mr. Fricke's work, coupled with unparalleled data compiled by the late Douglas B. Ball, PH.D., represents the most comprehensive, informative and sorely needed reference relative to CSA paper money ever assembled. This book takes the collecting of CSA paper money to an entirely new, lofty level and is a must have for everyone--from the beginning collector to the most advanced. Obscure, priceless information, heretofore available only to a few, is now available to everyone...as it is set forth in vivid detail within these pages. Easy to use...a tremendous step forward to all of numismatics. Simply magnificant. Randy Shipley

Anyone even interested in collecting Confederate Paper Money definitely needs this book, for not only is it informative and well-organized with accompanying pictures and information re the rarity of these Notes, but there is unique information based upon exhaustive research and sources. Without this tome, much of this information would possibly be lost and/or would have never become available. A great job!! McNair

Replaces and upgrades the 20th century Criswell series with a modern variety numbering system, grading, prices, new ways to collect, and a detailed history, census, provenance, rarity and pricing guide unparallelled in the paper money hobby. If you spend more than $200 on Confederate paper money or have a collection of more than a couple of notes, this book will pay for itself - perhaps many, many times over. Differentiate your collection by attributing with PF numbers which indicate better quality attribution, grading and value. This is the book some dealers do not want YOU to have!

Hugh Shull's book on Southern Currency is an excellent addition to reference material relating to the Civil War period. His knowledge of this subject is very helpful to anyone collecting or studying currrency of this time. He has compiled an excellent guide of photos and estimated values covering this field. This book is a positive addition to anyones currency reference collection.

Hugh Shull has done a superb job in assembling vast information on Southern States currency. This high quality book has excellent descriptions and photos and is an essential reference book for all collectors of Southern States obsolete currency. Especially helpful are the rarity ratings and the estimated values.

For info for obsolete currency, this is your book to turn to! With great detailed pictures and descriptions, you can't go wrong with this as a reference guide to collecting. I find myself looking back to it often for reference, info and to look for my next purchase for my collection!

After reading two other books by Justin Mamis, I was excited to read this one. When to Sell: Inside Strategies for Stock-Market Profits and The Nature of Risk were two extraordinary books on trading. This author knows what he is talking about and really relates tough topics in an easy to read fashion.

My opinion is if you trade, you need to read all three of these books.

This book, "How to Buy", covers everything you need to make your decisions and pull the trigger on a trade. He explains what to look for, how to gauge the strength or weakness in a stock, how to gauge the attraction for other traders, and how to get in on that stock as it is being accumulated.

Why would you buy a stock that may not do anything for you? Get one that is showing the signs of moving where you want it to go. Justin talks about buying sensibly and not emotionally. He also talks in depth about when NOT to buy. That topic alone could save you a fortune on your next stock pick.

I can't say enough about the series of When to Buy, When to Sell, and The Nature of Risk. Ironically, I bought the When to Sell years ago, read it and shelved it. It's pages would have saved me a bundle over the past year. As the worst seems to be behind us, knowing when to get back in is key. Simply written with great examples, make this book a must own.

From covering all the thoughts that go through ones heads at the time of pressing the trigger, to all the consequences of these thoughts. Everything is covered in this book.
Then it helps one create a strategy for buying based on facts rather than emotions.

I would recommend this book and When to Sell above most books about trading.

This is a must for money buffs and the like.

Wonderful pictures, and even identification of the signers of the bills. Some signatures are hard to make out even if clearly written in dark ink due to the style of writting, but are identified here. Worth every penny!

This book brought back so many childhood memories! I loved how Mr. Greenleaf kept the old Irish charm with the modern revision. Great Job! My nieces and nephews couldn't get enough of the stories and kept asking me to read them again. I also really like the artwork of Mr. Quigley. I definately look forward to any future works of Mr. Greenleaf. A definate MUST HAVE!!!!

Joseph greenleaf has updated this set of classical fairy stories without losing any of the flavor of the original. The illustrations are wonderful, the stories fun to hear or to read. My next suggestion to Mr. Greenleaf is that he produce a CD so that travelers can enjoy these wonderful tales while on the road.