red book?

zzbudzz

i think i'm going to buy the "Guide Book of United States Coins 2005: The Official Red Book" i have the 2001 edition. i noticed there is a blue book edition for coins too whats the differance?

Russ

Blue book is wholesale pricing, Redbook retail.

Russ, NCNE

DaveG

The Red Book has a lot more introductory text than the Blue Book, too.

I wouldn't advise buying the Blue Book. If you really want to know (roughly) at what prices dealers will buy your coins, get a sample pack of the Grey Sheets ("Coin Dealers Newsletter").

koynekwest

The Blue Book is (and always has been) a pretty useless reference except to those dealers and/or individuals who make it a practice to buy coins at lowball prices.

zzbudzz

i ordered the red book , i just would like to have a idea what some my coins are worth.

Purple73

if ya wanna know what they are worth.....best place would hit the auction sites and look at the completed auctions.

CarlWohlforth

I like the red book. It isn't necessary to buy multiple copies though. The pricing isn't accurate, but does give relative values. Anyway it is a quick and easy to use reference.

carl

The red book is great for an estimate of prices and loads of information. I started buying and saving them at the 12th edition and have bought one every year since.

Conder101

The red book is a great book for history and background information, and to determine which pieces are the better date/mints but the prices should not be trusted. Think about it, in a hobby where we worry about what the Greysheet says this week and are there pluses or minuses why depend on a book who's prices were compiled a year or more before it was publishd?

NumisOxide

I have two Red Books and they are great for information. Good reference for mintage figures, when your not online to check coinFacts.com for the mintage figures.

CoinOnTheCob

I have the 2005, spiral-bound Red Book. I also like to look at PCGS’ price guide. The price I decide is authoritative is the one that makes me feel better about myself.

ccr

The Red Book is like the Stock Market numbers at the end of the day. It`s a snap shot at that moument of time and doesn`t show that it is organic. Still, I buy them every year. The 2006 Red Book ought to be out in the Summer at most major bookstores.

Conder101

<< <i>It`s a snap shot at that moument of time and doesn`t show that it is organic. Still, I buy them every year. The 2006 Red Book ought to be out in the Summer at most major bookstores. >>


That's fine as long as you remember whrn that "snapshot" was taken. So the prices in the 2006 redbook are actually from late 2004 and MAY also reflect an estimate of what they WILL be when the book comes out.

mr1931S

"The Blue Book is (and always has been) a pretty useless reference except to those dealers and/or individuals who make it a practice to buy coins at lowball prices."

I would agree with this.

"I wouldn't advise buying the Blue Book. If you really want to know (roughly) at what prices dealers will buy your coins, get a sample pack of the Grey Sheets ("Coin Dealers Newsletter")."

For most coins you might have for sale, after dealer consults with Grey sheet, you will hear such things as "pass,"or "I can go 15 back of bid " which means he will pay you 15% less than Grey Sheet bid price assuming you both agree on the grade for that price). If dealer says unhesitatingly, " I can pay you "bid" (or quotes you some price over "bid" but below "ask") you might consider saying "pass" yourself. Hearing this means you MIGHT have something a little extra special (translation, "in demand") If you hear, "I can pay you grey sheet "ask" (or some price above) don't walk, run to another dealer. Offer the coin to another dealer (they all use the Grey sheet but remember it's not a holy document) and get that "second opinion." Doing this kind of thing, could result in your getting more for your coin.

Know your coins. Know how to grade and know what truly rare/scarce in your series' of interest and you'll get more when it comes time to sell. Never, ever sell a nice key date coin too cheap. Finis.

Oh. I was just kidding about just running away from the dealer. Be sure to say "thank you" before you run.

ccr

<< <i>

<< <i>It`s a snap shot at that moument of time and doesn`t show that it is organic. Still, I buy them every year. The 2006 Red Book ought to be out in the Summer at most major bookstores. >>


That's fine as long as you remember whrn that "snapshot" was taken. So the prices in the 2006 redbook are actually from late 2004 and MAY also reflect an estimate of what they WILL be when the book comes out. >>



True, it is an unreliable source for prices. That`s my point.

BlueCole

I us rthe red book to get a ballpark figure. (is it worth .50 or $50.00) and what dates/mints/mintage figures to look for.

BTW, my red book is from 2000. I think i'll upgrade this year.

B.