Buying and Selling United States Coins

Buying and Selling United States Coins serves as a practical guide for anyone looking to participate in numismatic commerce. The book covers fundamental aspects of coin collecting and trading, including methods for determining coin values, understanding grading standards, and identifying counterfeit pieces. Kenneth Bressett draws from decades of experience to outline strategies for buying coins at auctions, shows, and from dealers. The text includes sections on negotiating prices, building relationships with sellers, and recognizing market trends that affect coin values. Equipment recommendations, storage solutions, and insurance considerations provide readers with essential knowledge for protecting their investments. The book also addresses common pitfalls and mistakes that newcomers often encounter in the coin market. This reference work stands as a bridge between casual collecting and professional coin dealing, emphasizing both the commercial and historical aspects of numismatics.

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photographs and illustrations - Clear organization of reference materials Common criticisms: - Price guides become outdated quickly - Some books lack depth on modern coins - Limited coverage of varieties in basic guides Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews for Red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.

The Official Red Book: A Guide to United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett This reference guide provides values, specifications, and mintage data for every U.S. coin from colonial era to present.

Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers The book presents historical records, photographs, and market information for pre-federal U.S. coinage from 1652 to 1793.

The Official Blue Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett This wholesale price guide lists dealer buying prices for U.S. coins with detailed grading instructions and market analysis.

100 Greatest U.S. Coins by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth The book chronicles significant U.S. coins based on rarity, value, and historical importance with market data and ownership records.

United States Pattern Coins by J. Hewitt Judd This catalog documents experimental and trial pieces produced by the U.S. Mint with pricing, varieties, and authentication details.

🔹 Kenneth Bressett served as president of the American Numismatic Association and has been the longtime editor of the "Red Book" (A Guide Book of United States Coins), considered the Bible of coin collecting. 🔹 The book helped establish many of the grading standards still used today to evaluate U.S. coins, making it easier for collectors to agree on fair market values. 🔹 First published in 1962, this guide was one of the earliest comprehensive resources to help collectors avoid counterfeit coins, which were becoming a serious problem in the hobby. 🔹 Many of the coin investment strategies outlined in early editions of this book proved remarkably prescient - collectors who followed the advice about certain key dates and mint marks saw significant returns. 🔹 The author's expertise comes from over 60 years of professional numismatic experience, including work as a coin dealer, researcher, and consultant to the U.S. Mint and major auction houses.