Guide Book of United States Coins

The Guide Book of United States Coins, known widely as "The Red Book," serves as the primary reference for U.S. coin collectors and numismatists since its first publication in 1946. This comprehensive catalog provides retail valuations, specifications, and historical context for American coinage from colonial times to the present. Each coin type is presented with clear descriptions, mintage figures, and current market values in multiple grades of preservation. The guide includes photographs and detailed information about mint marks, varieties, and notable rarities that impact collectibility and value. Editor Kenneth Bressett brings decades of numismatic expertise to this reference work, which is updated annually to reflect current market conditions and new discoveries. The book maintains strict grading standards and pricing methodologies that have become industry benchmarks. This foundational text has shaped how generations approach coin collecting, balancing technical precision with accessibility for both novice and experienced collectors. Its ongoing evolution mirrors the development of American numismatics as both a hobby and an investment vehicle.

Readers consistently reference this book as their go-to price guide for U.S. coins. The clear photos, grading descriptions, and historical background help collectors identify and value coins. Likes: - Annual updates with current market prices - Compact size for carrying to coin shops - Organized by denomination and year - Includes mintage numbers - Photos show both sides of coins Dislikes: - Retail prices often higher than actual market values - Some readers want more photos of coin varieties - Text size too small for older readers - Paper quality could be better - Price updates lag behind rapid market changes Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,900+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) Common reader comment: "I've used this guide for 20+ years. Not perfect but still the standard reference." Many collectors recommend buying new editions every 2-3 years rather than annually, as prices don't change dramatically year-to-year.

Standard Catalog of World Coins by Krause Publications A comprehensive reference guide containing values, specifications, and mintage data for coins from around the world from 1901 to 2000.

Handbook of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman A reference work focused on wholesale pricing for U.S. coins with detailed mint mark information and historical mintage data.

Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers This volume covers the origins and specifications of American colonial coinage through early federal issues with attribution guides and variety listings.

Ancient Coin Collecting by Wayne G. Sayles The reference provides identification methods, grading standards, and historical context for coins of ancient civilizations.

The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins by Kenneth Bressett and Q. David Bowers A technical manual presenting the standardized grading system used by coin dealers and collectors to evaluate U.S. coins.

🔵 The Guide Book of United States Coins, affectionately known as "The Red Book," has been published annually since 1946 and is considered the primary price guide for U.S. coin collectors. 🔵 Kenneth Bressett served as editor of the Red Book for over 40 years and started his numismatic journey at age 10 when he found an 1859 Indian Head cent in circulation. 🔵 The first edition of the Red Book sold for just $1.50 and had a print run of only 9,000 copies; today, first editions in good condition can sell for thousands of dollars. 🔵 The book contains over 8,000 coin images and lists nearly 8,000 different prices for U.S. coins, making it one of the most comprehensive coin guides available. 🔵 The publication's distinctive red cover was chosen by original publisher Richard S. Yeoman because he believed red would stand out on bookstore shelves and attract more attention than other colors.