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When Books and Collectibles Collide
For the collector in me, I don’t think it gets any better than finding that “sweet spot” where my interests come together. And while I truly enjoy collecting coins… I love books. I’ll read just about anything I can get my hands on. My goodreads profile looks like a library’s annual book sale!
While books and collectibles are a unique mashup for certain, there is a niche where they hold space together. Talk about the stuff dreams are made from!
Starting with some classics
Romeo & Juliet is one of the best-known works of William Shakespeare – and typically the first one read by U.S. students. First published in 1597, it tells the story of star-crossed lovers from the houses of Montague and Capulet. And now, it’s honored on a handsome “split” bar.
Designed in a classic style, the two halves together show Romeo & Juliet in an embrace. The play’s prologue is inscribed on the back. It’s a nostalgic piece that’s perfect for those who love both books and collectibles.
Coming in a little closer to modern day (though still classics!) are Dracula and Frankenstein. The former was written by Bram Stoker in 1897, with the latter penned by Mary Shelley in 1797. To celebrate these two works, Littleton created a bookmark-shaped challenge coin, and paired it with printed copies of the two books!
Off to see the wizard
I’ll admit it: The Wizard of Oz is one where I knew the movie before I knew the book. Though I don’t think I’m alone on that one! Originally printed in 1900 as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this tale of a young girl and her adventures in Oz is magical.
In 2025, just in time for the 125th anniversary of the book, three Littleton exclusive coins were released. Each features illustrations from the original book, and is pure nostalgia! Three different Prooflike white brass coins honor scenes like Dorothy and Friends, The Witches and The Emerald City.
Speaking of magical…
Hard to believe, but it’s been almost 30 years since the first Harry Potter book was released in 1997. By the time the final book was released in 2007, I was waiting in line at the local book store for the midnight sale! This was also the series I used to introduce my daughter to longer-form novels. So you can imagine my delight when $3 coins came out honoring the cover art.
It’s hard to choose – did you have a favorite installment in the series? I’m hard pressed to choose, though there’s something extra-special about the Sorcerer’s Stone. And yes – every time I read it, I still dream about owning my own Nimbus 2000!
The other side of the proverbial coin
Flipping the script on books and collectibles – there are also books about collectibles! These offer a wealth of knowledge about the hobby, offering a useful tool for collectors.
Are you both a numismatist and a bibliophile? I’d love to hear your thoughts on coins that celebrate both books and collectibles – leave your comments below!
