Breen’s Annotated Drafts of His Complete Encyclopedia

Breen, Walter. WALTER BREEN’S COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF U.S. AND COLONIAL COINS. Two massive working drafts, substantially augmented with thousands of original handwritten annotations in several inks. As follows: 1. An earlier draft, with provisional coin numbers in place. Based on a photocopy of previously annotated computer printouts subsequently and substantially augmented with over a thousand original handwritten annotations in several inks. Consists of: approximately 1250 leaves, numbered (23), 1–369 and 510–1275 [with some irregularities], with many supplementary leaves added to expand upon previously recorded information. Present are the sections dealing with colonial coins and regular United States federal copper, silver, and gold issues from half cents through half eagles; the missing section includes all entries for one cent pieces. Loose 8.5 by 11 inch sheets. Edges a bit worn, with occasional leaves being folded or with ragged edges. Very good or so, overall. 2. A nearly complete final draft, with the published coin numbers in place. Based on a photocopy of previously annotated computer printouts subsequently and substantially augmented with thousands of original handwritten annotations in several inks. Consists of: a photocopy handwritten title page (Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins) followed by approximately 1875 leaves, numbered (4), xxix, 1–535 and 695–2004 [with some irregularities], being the entire Encyclopedia except for the sections dealing with one cent pieces [the quarter dollar section appears to integrate pages from various drafts]. Loose 8.5 by 11 inch sheets. Edges a bit worn, with occasional leaves being folded or with ragged edges. Very good, overall. The two drafts combine to be over 3000 sheets of draft materials, with innumerable handwritten annotations throughout. An exceptionally important part of the Breen archives. [online description truncated: see PDF or printed catalogue for full description]