Book Review: When Coins Were King

Whitman Brands™ has released a powerful new addition to the numismatic bookshelf: When Coins Were King: The Coins, Power Struggles, and Person-alities That Defined a Nation by award-winning historian Michael F. Moran. Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, the book explores the fascinating intersection of politics, money, and art in late 19th- and early 20th-century America. Central to the narrative is the story of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief double eagle—considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever struck—which is set to be reissued in 2026 as part of the U.S. Mint’s “Best of the Mint” series.

Moran brings to life the political and economic drama that shaped America’s coinage during a transformative era. From the discovery of the Comstock Lode to corruption scandals at the San Francisco Mint, and ideological battles led by figures like President Theodore Roosevelt and populist William Jennings Bryan, When Coins Were King presents history not through dry charts, but through vivid storytelling and unforgettable personalities.

As a lifelong collector and educator, this book struck an instant chord with me. I remember the first time I held a Saint-Gaudens double eagle—it was like holding a piece of living history. Moran’s book captures that same awe and wonder, while offering collectors the deeper context that makes our hobby so meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just beginning your journey, When Coins Were King is a must-read companion to the historic 2026 reissue.

For more information, or to order, see:

When Coins Were King (https://whitman.com/when-coins-were-king/ )