Let's Collect Coins

Let's Collect Coins is a comprehensive guide to coin collecting written by Kenneth Bressett, a respected numismatist and former president of the American Numismatic Association. The book serves as an introduction to numismatics and covers the basics of starting and maintaining a coin collection. The text provides information about U.S. coins from colonial times to the present, including details about minting processes, grading standards, and market values. Illustrations and photographs demonstrate proper coin handling techniques and help readers identify different coin types and varieties. Bressett includes practical advice about storage, cataloging, and purchasing coins, along with guidance on detecting counterfeits and avoiding common collector mistakes. The book also contains historical context for various coin designs and denominations. This work reflects broader themes about the preservation of history and the relationship between commerce and culture in American society. The text presents coin collecting as both a window into the past and a method for understanding the evolution of U.S. currency.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Kenneth Bressett's overall work: 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photographs and illustrations - Clear organization of reference materials Common criticisms: - Price guides become outdated quickly - Some books lack depth on modern coins - Limited coverage of varieties in basic guides Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews for Red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.

A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman A catalog of U.S. coin values with minting data, grading standards, and historical context for each coin series.

The Coin Collector's Survival Manual by Scott A. Travers A reference guide covering coin authentication, grading, buying, selling, and protecting numismatic investments.

100 Greatest U.S. Coins by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth The stories behind America's rarest and most significant coins, including their historical importance and market values.

Ancient Coin Collecting by Wayne G. Sayles A comprehensive introduction to collecting Greek, Roman, and Byzantine coins with information on identification and authenticity.

Strike It Rich with Pocket Change by Ken Potter and Brian Allen A field guide to identifying valuable error coins and die varieties found in circulation.

🔹 Kenneth Bressett served as president of the American Numismatic Association and has been editor of the "Red Book" (A Guide Book of United States Coins) since 1974. 🔹 The book was originally published in 1973 to help introduce young people to coin collecting and remains a respected beginner's guide to numismatics. 🔹 Let's Collect Coins covers topics like grading coins, starting a collection, and identifying counterfeit coins—skills that are still essential for modern collectors. 🔹 The author's passion for coins began in the 1940s when he found an 1859 Indian Head cent in circulation, leading to a lifelong career in numismatics. 🔹 The book's straightforward approach and clear explanations have helped launch thousands of collecting careers and is often recommended by coin dealers to their new customers.