Kenneth Bressett

Kenneth Bressett is a renowned American numismatist and author who has served as president of the American Numismatic Association and editor of A Guide Book of United States Coins (known as the "Red Book") for over 40 years. His expertise and writings have helped shape modern coin collecting and numismatic research. Throughout his career spanning more than six decades, Bressett has authored numerous influential books on coin collecting and currency, including Money of the Bible and The Whitman Guide to Coin Collecting. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to numismatics, including induction into the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame. As one of the most respected authorities in American numismatics, Bressett has served on various government committees related to coinage and has been a consultant to both the U.S. Mint and major auction houses. His work on the Red Book, which he continues to oversee as Editor Emeritus, has made it the definitive price guide and reference work for U.S. coin collectors. Bressett's influence extends beyond traditional numismatics into the realm of ancient coinage and paper currency, with particular focus on biblical-era money and its historical context. His research and publications have helped bridge the gap between academic numismatic study and practical coin collecting.

Readers consistently praise Bressett's clear explanations of complex numismatic topics. The Red Book receives particular attention for its accessibility to both beginners and experienced collectors. On Amazon, multiple reviewers note his ability to present detailed information without overwhelming newcomers. Readers appreciate: - Precise grading descriptions - Historical context for coins - Quality photographs and illustrations - Clear organization of reference materials Common criticisms: - Price guides become outdated quickly - Some books lack depth on modern coins - Limited coverage of varieties in basic guides Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews for Red Book) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (80+ reviews) One collector wrote: "Bressett explains things in a way that makes sense to someone just starting out." Another noted: "His grading guidelines have saved me from many poor purchases." The only consistent negative feedback relates to pricing information becoming obsolete, though readers acknowledge this is unavoidable with printed guides.

Money of the Bible - A historical examination of currencies mentioned in biblical texts, including archaeological findings and cultural context.

Guide Book of United States Coins - A comprehensive catalog and price guide of U.S. coins from colonial times to present, with grading information and historical background.

A Guide Book of English Coins - A reference work detailing British coinage history, types, and valuations from earliest times through decimal conversion.

Understanding Money - An overview of currency development throughout human civilization, from barter systems to modern electronic transactions.

Let's Collect Coins - An introductory text covering basic numismatic concepts, coin grading, and collecting methodology.

Milestone Coins: A Pageant of the World's Most Significant and Popular Money - A historical survey of notable coins that shaped economic and cultural development across civilizations.

Buying and Selling United States Coins - A technical guide explaining market mechanics, pricing factors, and trading practices in numismatic commerce.

The Whitman Guide to Coin Collecting - A beginner's manual covering fundamental aspects of coin collecting, including terminology and preservation techniques.

Richard Doty published reference works on coins and currency at the Smithsonian Institution and wrote extensively about global monetary history. His research focuses on the cultural impact of money and numismatic developments across different civilizations.

Q. David Bowers authored over 50 books on coin collecting and numismatic history, with particular focus on American coinage. His works include comprehensive catalogs, market analyses, and historical documentation of U.S. mints and monetary policy.

Walter Breen produced detailed encyclopedia-style references on U.S. coins and documented varieties and striking characteristics. His research emphasized the technical aspects of coin production and authentication methods.

David Lange specializes in U.S. mint history and coin attribution, focusing on production methods and die varieties. His works cover mint operations, coin grading standards, and collecting methodology.

R.S. Yeoman created systematic pricing and identification guides for U.S. coins that became industry standards. His documentation methods established frameworks for organizing numismatic information that influenced subsequent authors.