United States gold dollars are a fascinating and highly collectible series. In A Guide Book of Gold Dollars, Q. David Bowers-the "Dean of American Numismatics" and the most prolific numismatic author of all time-tells you everything you need to know to be a smart collector: how to evaluate quality, determine value, understand the market, and make good buys. Along the way, Bowers explains why, "in all of American numismatics, the gold dollar possesses a special charm." You'll learn how the history of the nation shaped the coin's design and production-how the first gold dollars were made by a private coiner from gold mined in Georgia; why some thought only second-rate countries issued such small gold coins; what the public thought of the tiny, delicate, yet highly practical coins; and the effects of the Gold Rush, the Civil War, political controversy, monetary crises, and more on the coinage. Bowers provides a wealth of information on each issue: mintages, existing populations, grading information, values, auction records, keys to collecting, and more. A historical backdrop of what was going on in America during each year, along with hundreds of full-color photographs, make this book a treat for anyone interested in our nation's history.