Guide Book of United States Coins

Guide Book of United States Coins. Commonly known as the "Red Book" for its distinctive cover, it is the standard reference guide for American coin collectors and dealers. First published in 1946 by R. S. Yeoman, the book provides comprehensive pricing and historical data for colonial coins, federal paper money, and all regular-issue United States Mint productions. Published annually by Whitman Publishing, a subsidiary of Collectors Universe, it is considered an indispensable tool in the numismatic community.

History and publication

The genesis of the guide occurred when R. S. Yeoman, a researcher for the Numismatic Guaranty Company, recognized a need for a standardized price guide for American coins. He partnered with Western Publishing, which operated under the Whitman Publishing imprint, to produce the first edition in 1946. The initial print run sold out rapidly, establishing its immediate utility for collectors navigating the post-World War II market. Following Yeoman's death in 1988, subsequent editions have been compiled by notable editors including Kenneth Bressett and, more recently, Jeff Garrett and Q. David Bowers. The publication process involves extensive annual research by the editorial team, who consult auction records from firms like Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers Galleries to update valuations.

Content and organization

The book is systematically organized by denomination and mint mark, chronicling coinage from early Massachusetts and Maryland issues through modern Mint products. Each entry typically includes the coin's mintage figures, major die varieties, and estimated values in up to six grading conditions, from Good to Mint State. Special sections are dedicated to commemorative coins, bullion coins, and error coins. The guide also features introductory essays on coin grading, the history of the San Francisco and Philadelphia facilities, and the Coinage Act of 1792.

Editions and revisions

New editions are published each year, with the copyright date advancing accordingly. Major milestone editions, such as the 65th or 70th, often include expanded historical content and special bindings. Revisions are comprehensive, with prices adjusted to reflect the current market as recorded in major auctions and dealer networks like the Professional Numismatists Guild. Significant updates have occurred with changes in the hobby, such as the advent of third-party grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service and shifts in the precious metals markets affecting coins like the American Gold Eagle. The editorial team, under the direction of Whitman Publishing, continuously incorporates new discoveries, such as previously unrecorded overdates or patterns.

Market impact and influence

The "Red Book" serves as a foundational price benchmark for the entire United States numismatic industry, influencing transactions from major auction houses to local coin club bourses. Its retail-focused prices are contrasted with the wholesale "bid" prices found in its sister publication, the "Coin Dealer Newsletter." The guide's authority affects collecting trends, investment decisions, and even legal contexts, such as estate valuations and insurance appraisals. Its consistent publication has helped standardize nomenclature and foster market stability, making it a cited resource in publications like *The Numismatist* and catalogs from Stack's Bowers Galleries.

Related publications and series

Whitman Publishing produces a complementary line of guides under the "Guide Book" series umbrella. This includes the "Handbook of United States Coins" (the "Blue Book"), which focuses on wholesale prices, and specialized volumes for Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars, and Washington Quarters. Other related titles cover Confederate currency, fractional notes, and National Bank Notes. The publisher also produces the "Official Red Book" series of state coinage guides, such as those for California fractional gold, and the "Guide Book of United States Paper Money," creating an extensive library for specialists.

Category:Coin books Category:American numismatics Category:Reference books Category:Whitman Publishing books