Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861: A Numismatic History and Analysis

Doug Winter's updated reference on Dahlonega gold is a superb work and a vast improvement over the previous edition. The information on strike, color, surfaces, luster, and eye appeal are complemented by interesting "personal observations" and updated information on die varieties. Of course, the condition census is a moving target but believed to be current at the time of publication. There has been some criticism of the photography. Actually, Mary Winter is a superb gold coin photographer, and I have seen color photographs of these same coins taken by her (they are available on the Heritage Auctions coin website if you search the auction archives for Green Pond Collection, FUN 2004). I believe that the publisher bungled the presentation of the images (too small and not enoguh contrast). This will undoubtedly be corrected in future editions. Overall, anyone with an interest in Dahlonega gold coins will find this to be a valuable and important reference.

Despite little previous knowledge of this subject, I came away with profound respect for both these coins and the men who struck them. This book was extremely well written and done in a way that it appeals to all levels: rank amateur such as myself or professional coin dealer like my friend John who read the book at the same time I did.