October 16, 2014 – Whitman Publishing has released a new book: ‘The Kennedy World in Medallic Art: John F. Kennedy and His Family in Medals, Coins, Tokens, and Other Collectibles’, by William R. Rice.
William R. Rice, The Kennedy World in Medallic Art: John F. Kennedy and His Family in Medals, Coins, Tokens, and Other Collectibles. Whitman Publishing, Atlanta (GE), 2014. Hardcover, 304 pages, full color, 8.5 x 11 inches. ISBN 0794842364. Price: $19.95.
In this monumental new book, Kennedy historian Rice offers fresh insight on the life and times of the president. His exploration includes the history of the Kennedy family; JFK’s boyhood; his military service and early political career; his inauguration and presidency; Jacqueline and the children; life in the White House; the November 1963 assassination; and the world’s mourning and remembrance.
The story is told through touching and insightful essays illustrated by more than 1,500 images including coins, medals, tokens, stamps, and other memorabilia. Many are popular and collectible, like the 1964 silver Kennedy half dollar (with its mintage of 429 million coins) and the new 2014 gold Kennedy halves. Others are rare and seldom seen, and some one-of-a-kind.
“William Rice builds on the foundation that Edward Rochette and Aubrey Mayhew started with their numismatic studies in the 1960s,” says Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Today’s collector benefits from full-color images and 50 years of ongoing research. John F. Kennedy is one of the most popular presidents in American history, and many of these coins, medals, and tokens can be found at local coin shows, flea markets, antique malls, and online.”
Special sections discuss subjects like satirical and critical pieces; brothers Robert F. and Teddy Kennedy; the Peace Corps; and paper money issued during the Kennedy administration.
Military challenge coins are given extra attention (with more than 180 images) as are foreign and domestic “march” medals, commemorative postage covers, world coins, and medal sets. Rice discusses and illustrates Chinese Hell notes, carved hobo coins, Wedgwood pottery, silver bullion bars, elongated coins, and many of other categories of Kennedy collectibles.
In addition to colorful historical images and narrative, the book’s scholarly appeal is expanded by multiple appendices, a bibliography, and a full index. Collectors will benefit from the catalog numbering system and commentary on today’s buy-sell-trade market. A 52-page appendix catalogs more than 2,670 individual items by date, size, composition, and description.
“Historians will remain deeply indebted to William Rice for his gigantic addition to the field of John F. Kennedy medallic art and related historical memorabilia,” says noted Kennedy historian Dr. Gerald J. Steinberg.
You can find more information on the book at the Whitman website.