Walter Breen
Denis W. Loring
In 1949, Dr. William Sheldon published his masterwork, Early American Cents. It was revised and updated as Penny Whimsy in 1958, and reprinted in 1965. Within a few years, it was obvious that wholesale corrections and additions, if not a complete rewriting, was in order. Dr. Sheldon was getting on in years, though, and ready to pass the torch.
With his endorsement, an "Early Cent Revision Committee" from the Early American Coppers Club set to the task. From 1973 to 1976, rarity and Condition Census revisions were published in Penny Wise, the EAC journal. A complete book was to follow shortly thereafter. "Shortly" became "eventually," then "sometime," and in the end it simply didn't happen. Other priorities, other diversions, there's always tomorrow.
Enter the master. It had always been Walter Breen's dream to publish a set of encyclopedias on U.S. coins, starting with half cents and running through gold. The half cent book was published in 1983; large cents were next. His study of the early cents had continued unabated after his collaboration with Sheldon on Penny Whimsy. He had time, the motivation, the expertise, and the Good Doctor's blessing. Backed by Del Bland's incomparable pedigree and CC research, the manuscript began to flow. Bowers and Merena assumed the publication rights, Mark Borckardt the all-important editor's role. All that was neededwas time on their part and patience on yours.
"Sometime" is now. The book is in your hands. We hope you agree that it was well worth the wait.