Lee Barrett writes:

I don't think it is about noted numismatists being worthy of a personalized book, but the personalized book being more valuable because of the connection of the author and the friend he or shesalutes.

I did some research on signing books universally - not numismatically. Here are some of what appear to be fundamentals of signed books, separate from limited editions, which we can addressalso.

The book field has some categories of signed books: Not all signatures are created equal. In fact, signatures or autographs and the inscriptions accompanying them fall into differentcategories.

"Signed" means the book is signed by its author or editor. It has no personalization. Generally speaking, signed books are desired by collectors, and a signature can enhance the value of the book.I presume this is the case in numismatics where 'rare' and 'scarce' are a part of the hobby?

A dated signature is considered worthwhile, especially if the date is close to the date of the book's publication. Some dealers will point out that a book is "signed in the year ofpublication.")

It appears that just a signature in a book is potentially more valuable than one that also says "Best wishes to _______________.

An "association copy" is a book signed by the author, is addressed to a specific individual connected to him or her. This is often another writer, a well-known person, or someone else connected tothe author. The term can also refer to a book owned by famous person or someone involved with the author. The closer the connection, the more it can enhance the book's value.

A "dedication copy" is one which the author has signed for the person to whom the book is dedicated. This is clearly a rare version of an autographed book. Signatures naturally tend to be morecommon than inscriptions and/or association copies.

An "inscribed" book is personalized - addressed to a specific person. If the person isn't closely associated with the author, the inscription usually does not add much to a book's value.Contemporary authors often do book signings when they go on tour, thereby increasing the number of signed books in existance and decreasing the value of such signed copies.

A book signed as a gift by someone other than the author: Gift inscriptions detract from a collectible book's value. This means that if you are giving a potentially valuable book as a gift, it isbest to just slip in a card with your gift notation rather than to write on the book.

An autopen signature is often seen with presidential materials. An autopen is a machine used for the automatic signing of a signature. This isn't really a signature and doesn't add anything to thevalue of the book.

An author's signature may or may not add to the value of a book
If a book is signed by the author, it may be worth more than an unsigned copy. The difference could be large, moderate, or negligible, depending upon the book. There's no rule. If the author ispopular, but his or her signatures are scarce, there will be a greater demand. Collectors note if the author is alive or dead. A dead writer means no more books will be getting signed. Value is alsobased on whether the author signed a lot of books or just a few, and the desirability of the book itself.

Books signed by heavily-collected authors are much-desired. For example, every one of the thousands of collectors of Harry Potter literature would love to have a signed book by J. K. Rowling intheir collection. I don't know if she is a prolific signer of her books.

For modern novels with authors still living, a signature will add somewhat to the price - perhaps 10% to 25% percent is estimated. If the signature is very scarce, it may be worth more. The amountvaries depending upon the book and author and how easy that signed book is to find. However, an unknown writer's signature, and his unknown book, are likely not objects of desire for bookcollectors.

Considerations of limited edition books:
A limited edition book is one where the number of copies in the print run has been strictly defined prior to its issue, and that number is substantially less than a standard print run, and then nofurther print runs are issued after the first printing has sold out. A limited edition book does not automatically become rare, collectible or valuable. The number of copies printed must be evaluatedas supply can outstrip demand, holding down future value.

Limited editions are designed to be collectible. Owners are far less likely to allow damage or thumbing of their collectors' items so a larger percentage will be in top condition after manyyears.

A rare book with less than 26 copies can be a lettered, rather than numbered edition. Each book has a different letter of the alphabet. Some lettered editions are limited to 52 copies andindividualized with upper and lower case letters.

Limited editions can also be stand alone releases such as a novella or a short story where the limited edition is the only time the author plans to release that work for purchase. Alternately alimited edition may be published along with with a standard print run. The limited edition would contain additional features such as better quality paper, extra illustrations, author signatures,different cover art, a slip case, or some other type of benefit or feature that is not normally included in a book from that author or publisher.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 2, 2016 : On Serially Numbered Numismatic Books (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n49a11.html)
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 11, 2016 : More on Signing Books (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n50a08.html)