Numismatists and history enthusiasts, get ready for a captivating journey into one of the most transformative periods in American coinage! Whitman Brands has just announced the release of When Coins Were King: The Coins, Power Struggles, and Personalities That Defined a Nation, a richly researched new book by award-winning numismatic historian Michael F. Moran.
Published on January 13, 2026, this sweeping narrative dives deep into the late 1800s and early 1900s — an era when gold and silver coins were far more than everyday money. They served as powerful symbols of the nation’s shifting identity, economic anxieties, and political ambitions.
Moran masterfully uncovers the behind-the-scenes drama that followed the Civil War, spotlighting the massive impact of the Comstock Lode — a monumental gold and silver discovery that rivaled the California Gold Rush. This bonanza fueled economic booms, intense political battles over the gold and silver standards, and even instances of corruption at the San Francisco Mint. Drawing from vivid historical accounts, archival sources, and extensive research, the book brings to life the ideological clashes and maneuvering that shaped U.S. currency during this turbulent time.
At the heart of the story stands the legendary 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief double eagle, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, its creation marked a defining moment in America’s artistic and monetary history.
Excitingly, this historic design is making a return in 2026 as part of the U.S. Mint’s “Best of the Mint” series — a special tribute to America’s most iconic coinage. For collectors planning to acquire one of these modern high-relief restrikes, When Coins Were King serves as the perfect companion volume, delivering in-depth historical context, artistic background, and the fascinating behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the original masterpiece.
The book spotlights an unforgettable cast of characters who influenced America’s monetary future:
- Reform-minded President Theodore Roosevelt
- Visionary sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens
- Populist leader William Jennings Bryan
- Pragmatic statesman Senator John Sherman
And many others. Unlike dense economic texts filled with charts and statistics, Moran’s engaging and accessible style focuses on the human stories — the power struggles, personalities, and passions — that still resonate today.
This latest work builds on Moran’s acclaimed previous titles, including 1849: The Philadelphia Mint Strikes Gold (coauthored with Jeff Garrett) and Striking Change: The Great Artistic Collaboration of Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, both celebrated for their thorough research and compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re a longtime coin club member, a budding collector, or simply fascinated by how everyday objects like coins reflect a nation’s soul, When Coins Were King is essential reading. Pick up your copy today and discover how, for a time, coins truly were king!
For more details, visit the Whitman Publishing website or your favorite numismatic bookseller. Happy collecting!