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Do you own any rare Red Books?

Images from the upcoming
Guide Book of the Official Red Book
of United States Coins


image
The Red Book is popular as a
collectible in its own right.

image
Author R.S. Yeoman and his wife,
on the cover of The Centinel,
Summer/Fall 1977 issue.

image
Longtime Red Book editor
Kenneth Bressett autographs
a copy for Clifford Mishler.

image
Production of the Red Book,
1960s-style.

image

imageimage
.999 fine silver medals and other
Red Book collectibles have been
created over the years.

Comments

  • DUIGUYDUIGUY Posts: 7,252 ✭✭✭
    imageI never thought of the Red Book as a collectible. image
    “A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly."



    - Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
  • Which ones are considered rare? The earliest one I have is the 9th edition, I picked it up at a garage sale for less than a dollar.
  • RYKRYK Posts: 35,799 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I thought it was very interesting that Whitman was publishing The Red Book of Red Books. I will probably pick one up.

    Any news on the QDB book on colonials?
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭
    The colonials encyclopedia is at the printer and will be rolling out in a few weeks....

  • coinkatcoinkat Posts: 23,809 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have the second and fourth editions

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • I have both the first and second printings of the first edition. Along with a whole bunch of early editions.

    njcc
    www.numismaticamericana.com
  • savoyspecialsavoyspecial Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭
    >>I thought it was very interesting that Whitman was publishing The Red Book of Red Books. I will probably pick one up>>


    reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer wrote a coffee table book on coffee tables

    www.brunkauctions.com

  • MisterBungleMisterBungle Posts: 2,308 ✭✭✭
    I've got a 9th (1956) and 10th (1957) edition.

    I also have a 13th edition (1956) of the Handbook (Blue Book).

    You should see the prices in that one!!

    ~


    "America suffers today from too much pluribus and not enough unum.".....Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I have the first edition but wouldn't call it rare. --Jerry
  • RWBRWB Posts: 8,082
    I don’t have a copy of the very rare 1977 edition with the incorrect signature of pages in the middle. Instead of covering quarters and half dollars, it has a section on Aardvark snouts and nose hairs from the “Anteater Nose and Toenail Collectors’ Guide.” (This was a little known fictitious hobby publication from a competing publisher. Apparently the press operators got drunk and did some “midnight printing” and the bindery folks got some signatures mixed up.)
  • LongacreLongacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
    Honestly, I cannot get excited about this book, but I will buy it to keep my collection current. Perhaps if I get the Redbook of Redbooks signed by Dentuck, it will be worth MILLIONS someday. image
    Always took candy from strangers
    Didn't wanna get me no trade
    Never want to be like papa
    Working for the boss every night and day
    --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
  • They are even "reprinting" the early years for collectors. They are kinda neat but would rather pick up an original at a yard sell. I don't have any early red books but I do have a turn of the century buying guide.
    "One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making new discoveries" -A.A. Milne
  • WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,911 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I collect the entire series which includes all soft, hard and spiral editions for the same year plus limited editions. I am missing most of the special ANA editions.

    WS
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • TrimeTrime Posts: 1,863 ✭✭✭
    About 10 years ago my wife said I had too many of these. So into the trash went 90% of a complete set.
    Oh well, she didn't insist that the coins join the books.image
    Trime
  • CocoinutCocoinut Posts: 2,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I acquired the current Red Books when I began buying coins in 1965, and a friend sold be some of his older copies, so I have all of them from the 11th through the 32nd editions. By the late 70's I found the Greysheet to be more useful, and stopped buying Red Books. I still pick up one occasionally, just to have a current reference with mintages and general information.

    I wouldn't say any of these are rare, but some of the older ones are uncommon.

    Jim
    Countdown to completion of my Mercury Set: 1 coin. My growing Lincoln Set: Finally completed!
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭
    Some of the modern editions and varieties are rare (125 to 250 copies), and of course errors such as upside-down covers are even more so.


  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,741 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have editions 10 - date plus #7. I also have one of the ANA editions. Not sure if any are "rare". I do want to complete the 1-9 run someday.

    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • coindeucecoindeuce Posts: 13,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I own a VF copy of 1955, my birth year. I prefer to collect the earlier price guides though, such as Wayte Raymond.

    "Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
    http://www.american-legacy-coins.com

  • guitarwesguitarwes Posts: 9,290 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I own a VF copy of 1955, my birth year. >>




    Me too, but my birth year is 1977. My Ma-in-law gave it to me.


    -wes
    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So, after all that, which one's command the high prices?? Cheers, RickO
  • lusterloverlusterlover Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>So, after all that, which one's command the high prices?? Cheers, RickO >>



    To piggyback on this, is there a price guide for these? I have one from the '40s buried somewhere.
  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,741 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>So, after all that, which one's command the high prices?? Cheers, RickO >>



    To piggyback on this, is there a price guide for these? I have one from the '40s buried somewhere. >>



    Yes, they are in the red book (of course).
    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • The 5th edition is considered the toughest to get. [maybe, not considering the later commemorative editions.] After the 10th edition they are not worth much unless they are brand new. Steve
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are so many literary masterpieces I so wish were in hardbound. Or perhaps a collection of authors could create a Masterpiece in Hardbound that covers .... awww nevermind,...

    image
    me an' my stupid ideas
  • ziggy29ziggy29 Posts: 18,668 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I thought it was very interesting that Whitman was publishing The Red Book of Red Books. I will probably pick one up. >>

    The thought of a Red Book for Red Books reminds me of stickering a stickered slab...

  • I have the complete set from 1947 through 2009.
    "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity"
  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,644 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I got 'em all. I am for sure going to buy the "GBGB" (Whitman's secret code name for this project).
  • orevilleoreville Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The 5th edition is considered the toughest to get. [maybe, not considering the later commemorative editions.] ......... Steve >>



    I agree. It happens to be the only issue I do not own. Every time I locate one, they seem to fly away from me.
    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!
  • orevilleoreville Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Perhaps Dentuck could arrange for each of us posters here on this thread to receive a special upside down edition (at cost) of the 2009 or even 2010 Redbook? image
    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!
  • Coins101Coins101 Posts: 2,603 ✭✭✭
    I had a double stamp cover Red Book i sold on ebay a few years ago for about $100.00. I listed it under the error section. image
  • BillyKingsleyBillyKingsley Posts: 2,661 ✭✭✭✭
    No. I have but one, the 61st edition. (which is this year's). For those of you who have multiple (or many) copies, how much does it change year-to-year? I am not really sure if I need to buy another one next year. I don't care about "values" and I rarely check mintage figures, besides, I can't imagine that will change much on stuff from many years ago.

    Are the pictures changed at all? (Meaning, different years/mint marks used for example photo, or if a better early coin has been found, or the tokens, etc)

    I know it's not a very big purchase, but I'm wondering why I would even need to when the one I have now covers what I need it for? I have to admit-I mostly just keep rereading the Colonial section. Since I got the book this summer, I've probably read that section a good 5-10 times, or more, give or take.
    Billy Kingsley ANA R-3146356 Cardboard History // Numismatic History
  • CoinJunkieCoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭
    No, oldest one I have is the 13th Edition from 1960. Decent condition.
  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have most starting from the 5th. I just haven't talked myself into buying the early ones. You can get a beautiful original Crosby for what a 1st edition redbook in fine will bring.

    I believe George Kolbe has sold some as new 1st editions for over $2k.
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • CoinJunkieCoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>About 10 years ago my wife said I had too many of these. So into the trash went 90% of a complete set.
    Oh well, she didn't insist that the coins join the books.image >>


    Wow, if they were in halfway decent shape, you should have put them on eBay. Some of those early editions
    bring real money.
  • streeterstreeter Posts: 4,312 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I bought a coin collection out of the midwest years ago and picked up a sharp 6th edition(53-4) and a new 1960 issue in that collection.

    The neat thing about the collection was that it had #2, #4 of the blue book with Lester Merkins name and company stamp in it.

    Do people really pay premiums for these relics?
    Have a nice day
  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Blue books don't have nearly the premium Red Books do, even though the print runs are much lower. You can buy unopened cases of Red Books from the 60's.
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • Speaking of print runs...

    It would be very interesting to learn how many of each year of the Red & Blue books were printed.

    The first Redbook was printed in two different versions (p.135) with 9,000 of each. The number 2 Red (1948) was apparently printed with 22,000 copies. The 1965 edition was the most ever with 1.2 million copies.

    Dentuck, care to add anything on this?

    As for Blue book values, I have paid over 3 figures for a mint condition 3rd edition (in dark blue covers as opposed to the lighter blue). There were 5 of these left from an original carton of 6 that came from Racine Publishing, the original publishers.

    The Bluebook overprints are delectable items, along with the black cover, fourth edition (BTW, I would pay at least $500 for one in mint condition). The prices for the high grade Blues will continue to rise.

    Rich Mantia has the only specially made (for Jim Ruddy) "Gray covered Redbook" and the only large paper edition known in Braille. Those two are by far the rarest "Red Books", and make the thicker contributor copies seem somewhat tame.
    PM me if you are looking for U.S. auction catalogs
  • CaptainRonCaptainRon Posts: 1,189 ✭✭
    A redbook done up in Braille. Hmmm.

    Blind coin collectors I would think would be far and few between. Has anyone ever met a blind coin collector before?



    image
  • dengadenga Posts: 922 ✭✭✭
    I have one of the 1967 interleaved editions, which Mr. Yeoman sent me in February
    of that year. How scarce these are I cannot say. I seem to recall having other years
    but these were probably returned to Racine with corrections.

    Denga
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The first Redbook was printed in two different versions (p.135) with 9,000 of each. The number 2 Red (1948) was apparently printed with 22,000 copies. The 1965 edition was the most ever with 1.2 million copies. >>



    Whitman hasn't publicly released annual "printages," if you will --- except for a few years, as Firstmint mentioned.

    In the GBGB there's an account, with a photo, of the 10 millionth Red Book that rolled off the presses. It was autographed by Yeoman, Bressett, and others on the production and editorial staffs.

    All of the interleaved editorial copies, contributors' editions, and other special books are discussed, pictured, and priced.

    There's a funny story about Mint Director Eva Adams and what she witnessed on the Red Book production line.

    A recollection and photo of the rare fur-covered Red Book, and one done in plaid.

    Never-before-published history on R.S. Yeoman, including college photographs.

    The book covers Red Book medals, silver rounds, posters, banners, lapel pins, and other memorabilia.

    The Blue Book is explored, as well --- including a bizarre printing error that will have you scratching your head.

    The GBGB was a lot of fun to produce, and I think the average coin collector will love reading about all the old-time hobby personalities, behind-the-scenes adventures, and, yes, even the occasional shenanigan.

  • coppercoinscoppercoins Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭
    I have the very unique privilege of having artwork in the 60th anniversary edition. It's a portrait of R.S. Yeoman and Ken Bressett together. I had the honor of presenting the original to Ken at the 2006 ANA World's Fair of Money in Denver. What shocked and surprised me is that Whitman had created a medal from my work (signature and all) that accompanied the leather bound edition. I had never seen my signature in relief before!

    What made the moment even more special is that my mother was able to be there to see me make the presentation. Ken was blown away by the drawing, and had me sign his copy of the Red Book. I had to pinch myself! Now that's a classic moment in time that will never leave my mind.

    Coincidently, for those who collect Red Book collectibles, the medals that accompanied the books were in ANACS holders. I believe 1200 were made (that number sticks, but may be incorrect). Anyhow, I was asked to sign a few of the holders by collectors who bought the book and wanted the medal signed by the artist. I only signed seven of them. I have no clue whose they were, but that's a rarity right there!
    C. D. Daughtrey, NLG
    The Lincoln cent store:
    http://www.lincolncent.com

    My numismatic art work:
    http://www.cdaughtrey.com
    USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
    image
  • I believe Len's in Madison Wisconsin used to sell redbooks in coin world and nn. He had a good variety. Funny, I think it was him who was getting out of it and put all his stock up for sale. Many different. He wanted between $3,000 and $4,000 for all of them. He had a picture of them. It was a garage, almost full of cases. If I say10,000 to 20,000 books, I don't think I would be too far off. I almost bid on them. Even tho I sell books and the price would have been right, it was just too many books. I don't remember if they sold. Steve
  • coinkatcoinkat Posts: 23,809 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Coppercoins

    Terrific story and a very late congrats in connection for such an honor

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • lusterloverlusterlover Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭✭
    I just dug mine out of the closet. 1949 cover, 1948 copyright. I'm not sure if it's considered the 2nd or 3rd edition. It blows your mind when you read the prices! Anyone have an estimate for me as to its worth? It's in average condition with some writing in it. Thanks.
  • This content has been removed.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭
    Here are some photos of C. Daughtrey
    presenting his portrait of Yeoman and Bressett
    at the 2006 ANA show in Denver.


    image


    image
    A closeup


    image
    Chuck talks to Ken Bressett

  • What a great thread. Now I wish I'd kept all mine, from 1959-on.
    Good deals with: goldman86 mkman123 Wingsrule wondercoin segoja Tccuga OKCC LindeDad and others.

    my early American coins & currency: -- http://yankeedoodlecoins.com/
  • renman95renman95 Posts: 7,037 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My two favorites

    image

    image

    image

    Q.D.B. and John Mercanti at the Money Show in Denver 2006

    image

    1947



    Ren
  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,760 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have a 2005 special edition leather bound one here, but I don't own it- it is gonna be listed on eBay for one of my consignors.

    image

    image



    For myself, I have a 1965 (my birthyear) and a 1976 (the year I started collecting). And that's it. Neither are in particularly pristine condition, so I suspect they aren't worth very much.

    One collectible numismatic book I used to own was the 1992 ANA Centennial Edition Krause catalogs that had the green hardcovers, which spanned 1701-up in two volumes. That was a nice set. I wish Krause would come out with hardcovers again sometime. You would think they'd do so, for the library trade. The regular catalogs are too flimsy for libraries.


    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • orevilleoreville Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was given a minature 1947 Red Book that is a actually folded up cardboard piece celebrating the Red Book's 50th anniversary from 1946 to 1996. It has two roosie dims, one from 1946, the other 1996. I had never seen it before. Is it worth anything?

    It is so cool!
    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!

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