blue book collectors

MoneyLA

my son found a 1972 Blue Book in pristine condition. all pages like new. no creases, bends or folds.

any value?

coinkat

not really. The first few editions from the 1940s have value

Tvac897

Why is it that past 1940 they lose value? Is it simply because those are the first few editions?

coinkat

The earlier editions of the Blue Book are not easy to find. Coin collecting became more popular as time passed. There are few editions of either the Red Book or Blue Book that are difficult to find

Shamika

Frankly, I'm surprised the Blue Book is still being published. I've seen it at Barns & Noble, but I didn't think anyone purchased these anymore.

firstmint

None of the red or bluebooks printed past the mid-1950s are scarce. There were too many printed, and many are still around.

The early ones however, are a different story, especially in nice condition.

The first 6 Redbooks (1947-1952) are the tough ones, with a number 1 edition in #1 condition having sold for more than $2,000 at auction. All are known in near mint condition.

The first 9 bluebooks are tough. Some of the overprints are extremely scarce, especially in top condition. The black version of the fourth bluebook is currently unknown in choice condition. I've been looking for ten years and haven't seen or found one yet. If anyone has a mint copy, I'd gladly pay $500.

Although not really an important work when published, enough time has passed to make these early copies a fine investment.