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2014 Red Book Sets New Records

67th-Edition Red Book Sets New Records


(Atlanta, GA)—With the addition of 45 new photographs this year,
the Guide Book of United States Coins (known to hobbyists as
the “Red Book”) has a record-breaking 2,019 full-color images to help
collectors identify and value their coins. The 67th edition, with a 2014
cover date, will debut in a special show-only offering March 14–17, 2013,
at the Whitman Baltimore Coin & Collectibles Expo. Members of the
American Numismatic Association can borrow the book for free from the
ANA’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library.

The 2014 edition prices 7,560 entries in up to 9 grades each, with more than
32,500 valuations in total. Extra pages have been added to the bullion and
commemorative-coin sections, and all of the U.S. Mint’s circulating coins have
been updated with new data. The 2014 Red Book includes 108 new coin
issues, and 9 additional die varieties have been listed in older coin series.

A new appendix tells the story of the 1794 silver dollar that broke all auction
records when it sold in January 2013 for $10 million—an optimistic sign for the
future of the hobby, according to the Red Book’s editors.

Another new appendix promotes membership in the American Numismatic
Association as a valuable resource for coin collectors. It lists ANA member clubs
by state, with contact information.

As in past years, collectors will benefit from recent auction records provided for
significant rare coins. “Peppered throughout the chart listings are 169 notable
auction results,” said Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett. “These, combined with the
listed retail prices, help advanced collectors understand today’s market for
high-end rarities.”

In addition, the appendix of the “Top 250 U.S. Coin Prices Realized at Auction”
has been fully updated. Since the last edition, seven more coins have broken
the $1 million mark, for a new total of 52.

“This year I find it interesting to note that parts of the market have moved in
different directions,” said Red Book Senior Editor Kenneth Bressett. “Scarcer
coins, especially those in high grade, are very much in demand while many
typical collector pieces are in the doldrums, perhaps offering strategic buying
opportunities. Certain perennial favorites continue to be popular and show
price increases, while those items that are by necessity tied to bullion tend
to be unpredictable at any level.”

Research Editor Q. David Bowers, commenting on the Red Book’s continuing
popularity (more than 23 million copies have been sold since 1946), reminisced,
“In 1952, at the age of 13, I received some Whitman penny boards as a gift. My
first purchase after that was a Red Book, and ever since then I’ve kept a current
copy close by. The Red Book improves with age, and the 2014 edition is the best
of all.”

Mintage figures for all circulating coins and commemoratives have been updated
as currently as possible with official data from the U.S. Mint.

Appendix B, “Collectible Red and Blue Books,” has also been expanded with
more grades and information. A first-edition (1947) Red Book is worth $1,700
or more in New condition.

Other numismatic updates in the 2014 Red Book include new text and images
for the New Spain (Texas) jola tokens, and a new section on 1964 Special Strike
coins. The book features expanded coverage of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial
cents, modern Jefferson nickels, and M.E. Hart’s “Coins of the Golden West” tokens.
New and ongoing research in numismatics led to many updates. Several long-standing
mintages were modified, and a dozen existing listings were revised for greater accuracy.

In what Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker describes as a good measure of the health
of the hobby, the listings in the Red Book’s numismatic bibliography include 25 standard
references published within the past five years.




About the Guide Book of United States Coins

A Guide Book of United States Coins is the world’s most popular annual retail
price guide for U.S. coins, tokens, and other numismatic items. More than 23 million
copies have been purchased since 1946, making it one of the best-selling nonfiction
titles in the history of U.S. publishing.

For the 67th edition, more than 140 professional coin dealers, scholars, and other
numismatic experts contributed their knowledge under the direction of Senior Editor
Kenneth Bressett, Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett, and Research Editor Q. David Bowers.


# # #


448 pages
Full color
By R.S. Yeoman; senior editor Kenneth Bressett; research editor Q. David Bowers;
valuations editor Jeff Garrett

Comments

  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 27,412 ✭✭✭✭✭
    im seeing more and more of the red books on sale at fleebay. money is money.
  • AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,689 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The book features expanded coverage of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents, >>




    Any coverage of the Formative DDR's?
    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser,and many OTHERS
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    The coverage mentions that several doubled-die varieties
    exist, and that their values vary according to how
    dramatic the doubling is.


  • pitbosspitboss Posts: 8,643 ✭✭✭
    Thanks Dennis .
  • AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,689 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks Dennis -- there is a demand for numismatic coverage of these varieties. The forum thread here hit 1000 posts today -- whoever publishes it first will do well.

    Formative DDR Thread
    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser,and many OTHERS
  • CoinspongeCoinsponge Posts: 3,927 ✭✭✭
    It would be fun if they would give a little nod to the SCD one of these years. Just a sampling like on the Patterns would be nice.
    Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,282 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Members of the
    American Numismatic Association can borrow the book for free from the
    ANA’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library.


    image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Members of the
    American Numismatic Association can borrow the book for free from the
    ANA’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library.


    image >>




    My good sir! Are you implying that the ANA does not have
    potential members lined up outside its Colorado Springs headquarters,
    eager to join the Association so they can get a free peek at the
    2014 Red Book?!



  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ANA members can borrow any book from the ANA library for free, haha! I'll be getting my 2014 red book through the coin club's bulk order just like every other year image

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Time to get a new Redbook.... was too busy last year.... Cheers, RickO
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 14,787 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I haven't purchased one since 2010. Something new? My 2009 Lincolns.imageimage

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    There's a lot of passion surrounding the 2009 doubled dies!

    Does anyone have a list of print-publication articles written on
    the subject?


  • lcoopielcoopie Posts: 8,692 ✭✭✭✭✭
    i recommend the kindle version which can allow you to have it on your kindle, iphone, ipad, pc and mac,
    all at the same time

    for less

    your info is at your fingertips
    LCoopie = Les
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 14,787 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>There's a lot of passion surrounding the 2009 doubled dies!

    Does anyone have a list of print-publication articles written on
    the subject? >>

    Thanks Dennis,for pondering! One,if not all,of us "true-believers" should try to publish. We have the compassion. -joey imageimage

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    That's the way to go --- carefully researched, peer-reviewed articles
    published in established trade or scholarly publications (either books or periodicals).

    That level of activity is what separates a die variety from the "flash in the pan"
    masses and helps establish it as a popular collectible.



  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 14,787 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>That's the way to go --- carefully researched, peer-reviewed articles
    published in established trade or scholarly publications (either books or periodicals).

    That level of activity is what separates a die variety from the "flash in the pan"
    masses and helps establish it as a popular collectible. >>

    Spoken from a man that knows! cool. Congrats.Dennis on the 2014 record breaker. I'm running out to get my 2014 copy right now!-joey imageimage

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • pitbosspitboss Posts: 8,643 ✭✭✭
    Publishing is not an easy job. It take months of preparation to get something out in print. I spent many many years in the bookbinding business so I know about the preparation and appreciate the efforts of people like Dennis Tucker.
  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,717 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Placed my pre-order yesterday. Look forward to receiving it.
    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    Keep in mind that the Red Book reports on the state of the market. . . . its purpose
    isn't to make or influence the state of the market.

    In other words, enthusiasts for any particular die variety should think


    "How can I excite the hobby community and interest people in this amazing die variety,
    so that the Red Book takes notice of the groundswell of enthusiasm and the active
    secondary market (buying, selling, and trading), the explosion of published research, etc.,
    and makes note of its significance by including the coin either in a chart listing or at least
    a text mention?"


    rather than


    "How can I create excitement over this variety by getting the Red Book to list it?"


    It's kind of a chicken-vs.-egg understanding. The broad-based hobby interest and active
    market have to be there first.





  • ConstantineConstantine Posts: 2,338 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Keep in mind that the Red Book reports on the state of the market. . . . its purpose
    isn't to make or influence the state of the market.

    In other words, enthusiasts for any particular die variety should think


    "How can I excite the hobby community and interest people in this amazing die variety,
    so that the Red Book takes notice of the groundswell of enthusiasm and the active
    secondary market (buying, selling, and trading), the explosion of published research, etc.,
    and makes note of its significance by including the coin either in a chart listing or at least
    a text mention?"


    rather than


    "How can I create excitement over this variety by getting the Red Book to list it?"


    It's kind of a chicken-vs.-egg understanding. The broad-based hobby interest and active
    market have to be there first. >>



    Dennis, I believe the Redbook is the foundation for coin collectors. Every beginner should have a copy and study it and familiarize themselves with the hobby and coins produced. I agree with the above that a coin should not be listed to create excitement for the coin. But I do believe that coins should be listed to create excitement for the hobby.

    That excitement can be created through education and sharing of knowledge. The Redbook is a great source of this knowledge. The 2009 Formative Year Doubled Die Reverses are a polarizing variety in this hobby. There is the old school camp from the traditional doubled dies such as the 1955 or 1995 Lincolns. Then there is the modern era of die doubling where the central portion of coins are the areas affected. These doubled die varieties are what we have today. I believe the hobby should progress forward have increased awareness of these varieties that many collectors are passionate about. Many of these collectors are new the hobby or new to die varieties. I have personally seen and experienced new collectors entering the hobby because of these doubled dies. This new blood is great for numismatics. Having them listed in the Redbook creates interest for modern coin collecting. Having them listed, gives new hobbyists the knowledge and awareness to hunt, coin search, acquire, and study coins minted just a few years ago and can be searched relatively inexpensively. That is what this hobby is about, sharing of knowledge and studying coins.

    The CPG has recognized seven varieties as follows: FS-01-2009-801 (WDDR-043), FS-01-2009-802 (WDDR-002), FS-01-2009-803 (WDDR-001), FS-01-2009-804 (WDDR-050), FS-01-2009-805 (WDDR-025), FS-01-2009-807 (WDDR-016), and FS-01-2009-808 (WDDR-006). These varieties will be listed in the next book release.

    Here are images of some that were included as examples:

    WDDR-006 - Skeleton Finger
    image

    WDDR-001 - Sixth Finger
    image

    WDDR-002 - Double Thumb
    image


    But many will not see the CPG. That is a specialist’s book. I really would like the broader collecting community and public a chance to learn about these varieties and I ask you to please list them in your Redbook. Many of us are passionate about these doubled dies and I can tell you that we have enjoyed collecting them. Hunting for them, stapling 2x2s, and researching the various dies stages these errors encompass. Those are the reasons to include them.


    image
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 14,787 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well said,dude! Couldn't have said it any better. Beautiful photos too. imageimage

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • PapiPapi Posts: 1,189 ✭✭


    << <i>carefully researched, peer-reviewed articles published in established trade or scholarly publications (either books or periodicals). >>



    If the Red Book not THE scholarly publication, than whose publication is the RB waiting for?

    I believe the well respected scholars that publish information in a 21st century format would take issue with this requirement.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>carefully researched, peer-reviewed articles published in established trade or scholarly publications (either books or periodicals). >>



    If the Red Book not THE scholarly publication, than whose publication is the RB waiting for?

    I believe the well respected scholars that publish information in a 21st century format would take issue with this requirement. >>




    It's a question of the cart and the horse. A die variety of significant importance will
    naturally have a body of literature build up around it, as collectors, researchers,
    historians, coin dealers, and curators study it, analyze it, compare it to other coins,
    and weigh its significance over time. A market of buying, selling, and trading will
    develop and mature. The variety will establish itself over a period of time as a
    popular collectible. Given enough weight of this nature, it will make sense for the
    variety to be mentioned in the Red Book (as the 2009 doubled-die Lincoln cents
    have, in fact, been mentioned).




  • OnedollarnohollarOnedollarnohollar Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭
    With respect Dennis, the 2008w reverse of 2007 silver eagle variety was installed in your publication with value attached within two years of its discovery. Other than reading about them

    on the PCGS forum and seeing them on Ebay for sale there wasn't a long drawn out scholarly approach until the Redbook recognized them. Coincidentally I first was made aware of the

    2009p formative errors on the PCGS forum.

    Respected people and organizations like John Wexler, Coneca, et al have cataloged and published the varieties, scholarly people regarding numismatics and varieties, I would submit.

    I'm sure you are aware that the CPG will identify several of the varieties as "major" or "best of the best" in their next release.

    If you track Ebay sales recently you would see that these are trending upwards as the word gets out to the general collector.

    If you read the thread on PCGS U.S. Coin Forum titled: 2009 lincoln formative / Lp2 mint boxes / proof sets / doubled die errors, you will see serious collectors of these sharing

    information and enthusiasm which has a cumulative effect of a scholarly, hands on, thorough examination of the varieties.

    The thread itself could be considered a "publication" of sorts. It is time that the 2009p Formative "best" errors, as identified by a consensus opinion, be given an itemized valuation just as

    the 2008w/2007 reverse silver eagles have been in the Redbook...it's been 4 years now since their discovery and the conversation begun. Please re-consider your publications approach

    to these. "Mentioning" them is not enough this far out from their discovery. The cart and the horse have already left the barn.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    This is a good conversation. Which ones would you recommend
    line-item listing, and how would you list them (under what names,
    e.g., like Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low for the Wisconsin
    quarter's two most famous varieties)? What values would you assign to each?




  • OnedollarnohollarOnedollarnohollar Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭
    Thank you for the opportunity to have this conversation Dennis. Each error has been assigned a number. You could use Wexler's or Coneca's (or both) variety numbers.

    i.e. WDDR-006/WDDO-002 is the Skeleton Finger variety - assigning value, just like most prices in your guide, would be exactly that, "a guide". We all know that there is a range of actual

    values attached to any coin but your guide gives a little balance to the average collector.

    For arguments sake we could assign a value for the 006 (first stage) of $75 in ms65 (others can chime in with their opinions to form a consensus) and have a multiplier mentioned for

    later die stages (large die cracks obverse and reverse)

    Their are probably only 15 "best of the bests" out of the 100+ known errors. It would be easy enough to list them but I would encourage you to go to the thread I mentioned previously

    where forum member Papi and others have posted pictures of the errors of which I speak. See what you think. We're going to make a "believer" out of you yet! imageimageimage


  • << <i>This is a good conversation. Which ones would you recommend
    line-item listing, and how would you list them (under what names,
    e.g., like Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low for the Wisconsin
    quarter's two most famous varieties)? What values would you assign to each? >>



    Dentuck IMHO you should consider opinions from say the people over at Coneca as opposed to the 4 forum members that have bought boxes and boxes and boxes of these hoping to strike it rich if they ever develop a two way collector market. If you go over to the big thread they are talking about you will find it filled by a small hand full of members plotting to make it rich and find a way to specifically get them into your book as a perceived gateway to mass acceptance so they can cash out. They forget there are lots of cheap coins in the redbook but don't take my word for it go look for yourself.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    List them for me, if you would, to make the information easily digestible. . . . in this format:

    2009, Variety Name ....... (estimated mintage, if known) ....... MS-63 value ....... MS-65 value

    The Red Book doesn't list die varieties by their catalog numbers. However, the Professional Edition
    Red Book does list far more varieties than the regular-edition Red Book, and it does identify them
    by their Fivaz-Stanton numbers (for example), in their image captions and also in chart notes.

    If you had to pick two or three major 2009 doubled die Lincoln cents, which would they be?
    What nicknames would you give them as quick-and-easy identifiers for the layman and new hobbyist?
    What prices would you assign in the grades mentioned above?



  • ConstantineConstantine Posts: 2,338 ✭✭✭
    Dennis,

    Thank you for continuing the conversation, it is greatly appreciated.

    In response to your question about a recommendation on line-item listing, and under what names, I’d suggest the basis is a continuation of the work done by Potter, Wexler, and others. As pointed out, the varieties below have been assigned CPG numbers and will be listed. I think this is a great list to work from as there is already peer backing behind it. Plus, I imagine there would natural tendency for some to suggest varieties to include where the individual(s) have significant personal/financial incentive to have them included. So what I personally like about the list below is they represent the most visually significant doubled dies, in addition to including those that have distinct visual appearance. These coins do represent a key sampling of “The Best Of” for the doubled dies. Additionally, many of the collectors like myself have focused on these listings and a following has developed. This really is the beauty of what happens when there is a lot of work done by the experts in classification, and then it is reviewed and editors of publications select the best of to include in their guides. We as collectors look at this guidance too, and that has helped shape the collectability in the market. Point being, is many of us now focus on collecting these big seven and I feel good about what is developing.

    Once again, here are the 7 identified and assigned CPG numbers:

    FS-01-2009-801 (WDDR-043)
    FS-01-2009-802 (WDDR-002)
    FS-01-2009-803 (WDDR-001)
    FS-01-2009-804 (WDDR-050)
    FS-01-2009-805 (WDDR-025)
    FS-01-2009-807 (WDDR-016)
    FS-01-2009-808 (WDDR-006)

    Below are images of the remaining varieties that I did not include in my first post with pictures.

    All pictures below taken from Wexlers website, http://doubleddie.com/60701.html

    WDDR-043
    image

    WDDR-050
    image

    WDDR-025
    image

    WDDR-016
    image >>



    I imagine that space in your guide is a precious resource. If all seven were too many to list, and it meant that otherwise none would be listed….I’d suggest narrowing the list down further. In reviewing the visual nature of the doubled dies, we do have four categories here. So perhaps the best of the 4 categories makes sense. There is a double thumb, an extra finger between the thumb and forefinger, an extra pinky, and the unique skeleton finger.

    Double Thumb – WDDR-002

    Extra Finger – WDDR-001

    Extra Pinky – WDDR-025

    Skeleton Finger – WDDR-006

    Those common names listed are what we have been generally calling these varieties. I am sure better names can be thought of for professional and editorial purposes. However, I think the underlying importance is that they are good examples that represent the best of these doubled dies.

    Once again, it is great to have this conversation and I appreciate it!

    Michael
  • ManorcourtmanManorcourtman Posts: 7,893 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>This is a good conversation. Which ones would you recommend
    line-item listing, and how would you list them (under what names,
    e.g., like Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low for the Wisconsin
    quarter's two most famous varieties)? What values would you assign to each? >>



    Dentuck IMHO you should consider opinions from say the people over at Coneca as opposed to the 4 forum members that have bought boxes and boxes and boxes of these hoping to strike it rich if they ever develop a two way collector market. If you go over to the big thread they are talking about you will find it filled by a small hand full of members plotting to make it rich and find a way to specifically get them into your book as a perceived gateway to mass acceptance so they can cash out. They forget there are lots of cheap coins in the redbook but don't take my word for it go look for yourself. >>



    This ^^^^^. What's next, 100 + varieties of the Minnesota quarters in the Red Book also?
  • OnedollarnohollarOnedollarnohollar Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭
    Dennis will be the judge. We can only provide information and hope that he agrees that they are significant and deserve a place in the Redbook.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    The Red Book has been published for 67 years, and longtime editor
    (now Senior Editor) Kenneth Bressett has worked on the book since 1959.
    In those 50-plus years, Ken has successfully withstood more pressure
    than a Grabener coinage press. People are always lobbying for their favorite
    coins (yes, quite often they happen to have a few rolls of them!) to be included in the
    book. It's very easy to see through that kind of lobbying, and to make judgments
    based on real numismatic merit and the current real-world state of the hobby.

    Meanwhile, the 2014 edition is my ninth Red Book as Whitman's publisher. I've
    seen maybe 1/5,000th of the shenanigans Ken has witnessed, but I've seen my
    share! And I've learned from the best. Beyond that, even if I were a pushover, I'm
    definitely not the final arbiter of the Red Book. Research Editor Q. David Bowers and
    Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett are savvy and they respect and value the Red Book's
    reputation. Their judgment is backed up by the opinions and study of some 120
    coin dealers, numismatic researchers, and other experts. It's hard to get a new
    variety into the Red Book --- but that kind of conservative approach ultimately
    is good for the hobby, and frankly it's the only way to successfully manage a legacy
    publication.

    And in the meantime, Whitman is in the fortunate position of being able to tell collectors,
    when appropriate, "Your favorite die variety is a bit too esoteric for a general hobbyist
    guide and introductory volume, like the Red Book, but we happen to offer other popular
    books that collectors use."

    The Cherrypickers' Guide and the Professional Edition Red Book come to mind. Both
    cover die varieties in much greater detail than the Red Book.

  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    (I mention this to reassure readers that Whitman does have a stringent
    editorial decision-making process when it comes to the Red Book! No individual
    person can somehow be unduly swayed to make a unilateral decision and include a
    particular die variety. At the same time, the editorial decision-making process,
    while conservative and careful, isn't a padlocked gate with cement in the keyhole.
    New ideas are always weighed and considered, and we listen to the voices of
    the hobby while keeping tradition in mind.)

  • orevilleoreville Posts: 11,772 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dentuck:

    What are the relative sales of the spiral version of the Red Book versus the hardback in recent years? Is the spiral/soft cover growing % wise?

    Is the Red Book trying to keep the pricing guide of past issues up to date?

    If so, any interesting developments in that area?

    Anything special on the WWII patterns as reported by Roger Burdette or will that be next year?


    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!
  • AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,689 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I can completely understand the pressures of getting "favorites" into the RB. The below is a short analysis I assembled a couple years ago about these varieties. Hopefully it will shed some light. And...no this isn't about getting rich, but recognition of an interesting collectable. Yes, I've sold hundreds (cheap), but I've had many comments about how cool they are and many new collectors are getting turned on.

    I think the most compelling thing is the fact that thousands of these were released into circulation through bank rolls -- not just the Mint LP2 boxes. That means many are circulating providing an opportunity for collectors to search in their pocket change. How great is that? As mentioned above, many new collectors start with the RB as did I, and it is a powerful guide for the hobby. However, there is no reference currently produced that shows them. Lastly, as described below, searching for most coin varieties require knowledge beforehand to identify, i.e. Wide AM, etc. A sixth-finger Lincoln DOES LOOK ODD, no?

    _______________________________

    Some Personal Thoughts on the 2009 FY DDR Varieties

    These coins have good upside potential. In the 2009 Edition of the Redbook alone, there are over 30 different varieties of Lincoln Cents noted since 1959. Most of these are fairly minor varieties such as large or small dates, or "close" AM's. While these are all very interesting – the collector has to know what they are looking for to make a find. They would not be obvious to the uninformed person.

    Obvious "extra appendage-type" varieties of Lincoln Cents are relatively rare. The 1984 "doubled-ear" caused quite a stir at the time, and was listed in the Redbook for $250. These are currently selling for $150-200 each. There are likely other obscure varieties as well – but these will be less-known to the average collector.

    Now I'm not suggesting the "six-finger" variety will be a $100+ coin in 10 years, but I do believe it will have a significant place in Lincoln Cent history. It is said there are "too many" of these DDR sub-varieties in 2009 for real significance – and that may be true. But there are about a dozen of these varieties that are both significant in ease of IDENTITY and in sufficient QUANTITY that many average collectors can own.


    Varieties of Significant Interest
    The following are personal observations I am sharing based on the 200+ US Mint LP2 Mint boxes I have searched and tabulated. CDDR refers to Crawford attribution, WDDR refers to Wexler attributions for clarification.

    1 2009 FY CDDR-002/WDDR-001 "sixth-finger": Most will agree that it is one of the most popular varieties. It is scarcer than the CDDR-001, and most obvious for identification.

    2 2009 FY CDDR-001/WDDR-002 "doubled-thumb": One of the most common varieties, I have found about 2 CDDR-001's for every 1 CDDR-002 coins in rolls that contain both. They are easy to identify.

    3 2009 FY CDDR-009/WDDR-006 "skeleton-finger": A longer version of CDDR-002, this variety has been found only in one specific date of mint roll boxes, and was presumably struck in far fewer numbers.

    There are many more varieties than deserve attention in this series, but most require a fair degree of close magnification and study for identification. In my opinion, the above three varieties will be the most popular in the long run.

    [thanks for listening!]
    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser,and many OTHERS
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,796 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I sell more redbooks out of my shop on an annual basis than I do Susan B. Anthony dollars. I think you guys can eliminate that coin from the Red Book. image
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    The spiralbound version is very popular, in both its formats
    (spiralbound hardcover and spiralbound softcover). That's
    why it's still being offered, because of popular demand. The
    hardcover is still a huge seller, of course.

    Yes, we've updated the listing of "Collectible Red and Blue
    Books." That appendix has a whole new layout that's more
    in line with the way collectors really collect them.

    The most recent new "special edition" is 250 copies of
    the 2013 edition with a bookplate for the American Numismatic
    Society's honoring of Roger Siboni at their banquet last month.
    He was given the Trustees' Award.

    No new developments stemming from RWB's WWII patterns
    research yet.
  • halfhunterhalfhunter Posts: 2,770 ✭✭✭


    << <i>67th-Edition Red Book Sets New Records


    (Atlanta, GA)—With the addition of 45 new photographs this year,
    the Guide Book of United States Coins (known to hobbyists as
    the “Red Book”) has a record-breaking 2,019 full-color images to help
    collectors identify and value their coins. The 67th edition, with a 2014
    cover date, will debut in a special show-only offering March 14–17, 2013,
    at the Whitman Baltimore Coin & Collectibles Expo. Members of the
    American Numismatic Association can borrow the book for free from the
    ANA’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library.

    The 2014 edition prices 7,560 entries in up to 9 grades each, with more than
    32,500 valuations in total. Extra pages have been added to the bullion and
    commemorative-coin sections, and all of the U.S. Mint’s circulating coins have
    been updated with new data. The 2014 Red Book includes 108 new coin
    issues, and 9 additional die varieties have been listed in older coin series.

    A new appendix tells the story of the 1794 silver dollar that broke all auction
    records when it sold in January 2013 for $10 million—an optimistic sign for the
    future of the hobby, according to the Red Book’s editors.

    Another new appendix promotes membership in the American Numismatic
    Association as a valuable resource for coin collectors. It lists ANA member clubs
    by state, with contact information.

    As in past years, collectors will benefit from recent auction records provided for
    significant rare coins. “Peppered throughout the chart listings are 169 notable
    auction results,” said Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett. “These, combined with the
    listed retail prices, help advanced collectors understand today’s market for
    high-end rarities.”

    In addition, the appendix of the “Top 250 U.S. Coin Prices Realized at Auction”
    has been fully updated. Since the last edition, seven more coins have broken
    the $1 million mark, for a new total of 52.

    “This year I find it interesting to note that parts of the market have moved in
    different directions,” said Red Book Senior Editor Kenneth Bressett. “Scarcer
    coins, especially those in high grade, are very much in demand while many
    typical collector pieces are in the doldrums, perhaps offering strategic buying
    opportunities. Certain perennial favorites continue to be popular and show
    price increases, while those items that are by necessity tied to bullion tend
    to be unpredictable at any level.”

    Research Editor Q. David Bowers, commenting on the Red Book’s continuing
    popularity (more than 23 million copies have been sold since 1946), reminisced,
    “In 1952, at the age of 13, I received some Whitman penny boards as a gift. My
    first purchase after that was a Red Book, and ever since then I’ve kept a current
    copy close by. The Red Book improves with age, and the 2014 edition is the best
    of all.”

    Mintage figures for all circulating coins and commemoratives have been updated
    as currently as possible with official data from the U.S. Mint.

    Appendix B, “Collectible Red and Blue Books,” has also been expanded with
    more grades and information. A first-edition (1947) Red Book is worth $1,700
    or more in New condition.

    Other numismatic updates in the 2014 Red Book include new text and images
    for the New Spain (Texas) jola tokens, and a new section on 1964 Special Strike
    coins. The book features expanded coverage of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial
    cents, modern Jefferson nickels, and M.E. Hart’s “Coins of the Golden West” tokens.
    New and ongoing research in numismatics led to many updates. Several long-standing
    mintages were modified, and a dozen existing listings were revised for greater accuracy.

    In what Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker describes as a good measure of the health
    of the hobby, the listings in the Red Book’s numismatic bibliography include 25 standard
    references published within the past five years.




    About the Guide Book of United States Coins

    A Guide Book of United States Coins is the world’s most popular annual retail
    price guide for U.S. coins, tokens, and other numismatic items. More than 23 million
    copies have been purchased since 1946, making it one of the best-selling nonfiction
    titles in the history of U.S. publishing.

    For the 67th edition, more than 140 professional coin dealers, scholars, and other
    numismatic experts contributed their knowledge under the direction of Senior Editor
    Kenneth Bressett, Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett, and Research Editor Q. David Bowers.


    # # #


    448 pages
    Full color
    By R.S. Yeoman; senior editor Kenneth Bressett; research editor Q. David Bowers;
    valuations editor Jeff Garrett >>



    Congrats Dennis on the 67th edition ! ! !

    Cut my numismatic teeth on the Redbook as I'm sure many here did.
    Still have my first, 19th edition, 1966 copy, well used & slightly yellowed, but not a mark in it . . . image

    HH
    Need the following OBW rolls to complete my 46-64 Roosevelt roll set:
    1947-P & D; 1948-D; 1949-P & S; 1950-D & S; and 1952-S.
    Any help locating any of these OBW rolls would be gratefully appreciated!
  • halfhunterhalfhunter Posts: 2,770 ✭✭✭


    << <i> This ^^^^^. What's next, 100 + varieties of the Minnesota quarters in the Red Book also? >>



    ! ! ! Don't Hate ! ! !

    imageimage

    image

    HH
    Need the following OBW rolls to complete my 46-64 Roosevelt roll set:
    1947-P & D; 1948-D; 1949-P & S; 1950-D & S; and 1952-S.
    Any help locating any of these OBW rolls would be gratefully appreciated!
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 43,796 ✭✭✭✭✭
    P.S. The spiral bound is in more demand these days because the book stays open to the page men or women are working from.
  • ManorcourtmanManorcourtman Posts: 7,893 ✭✭✭✭
    Hey Dentuck-

    Can you disclose how many are sold each year? Last year? I work in the print media and know books and newspapers are struggling to survive. I highly encourage everyone to buy a copy if they wish to see this tradition continue! You do some awesome work btw!
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Hey Dentuck-

    Can you disclose how many are sold each year? Last year? I work in the print media and know books and newspapers are struggling to survive. I highly encourage everyone to buy a copy if they wish to see this tradition continue! You do some awesome work btw! >>




    I appreciate the kind words --- thank you! I've been a coin collector since I was 7 years old,
    so working for Whitman Publishing is like a dream come true. image

    We don't disclose quantities sold each year. The record year for Red Book sales was 1964
    (the 18th edition), with 1,200,000 copies sold! Yes, that's 1.2 million. That year the
    Red Book was ranked fifth on the list of best-selling nonfiction --- ahead of Dale Carnegie's
    How to Win Friends and Influence People (at no. 6) and John F. Kennedy's Profiles
    in Courage
    (no. 9).



  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 14,787 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i> This ^^^^^. What's next, 100 + varieties of the Minnesota quarters in the Red Book also? >>



    ! ! ! Don't Hate ! ! !

    imageimage

    image

    HH >>

    Yes ," Make love not war!" " If you can't beat 'em,join 'em!" I bet there was a time,when people made fun out of the '55 double-die. imageimage

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    The 5th edition, volume II, of the Cherrypickers' Guide lists
    nine different die varieties for the Minnesota quarters!

    Studying them in detail is like getting a Bachelor of Arboreal Sciences
    with a concentration in Norway Pine.



  • ManorcourtmanManorcourtman Posts: 7,893 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The 5th edition, volume II, of the Cherrypickers' Guide lists
    nine different die varieties for the Minnesota quarters!

    Studying them in detail is like getting a Bachelor of Arboreal Sciences
    with a concentration in Norway Pine. >>



    image Next thing you know they're going to call you a Naysayer image
  • OnedollarnohollarOnedollarnohollar Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The 5th edition, volume II, of the Cherrypickers' Guide lists
    nine different die varieties for the Minnesota quarters!

    Studying them in detail is like getting a Bachelor of Arboreal Sciences
    with a concentration in Norway Pine. >>



    Thank you Dennis, not 100+ Minnesota errors?

    Now you can see how different (and obviously more distinctive between the varieties) that the 2009p Formative errors are. If you want a real challenge, go on Wexler's site and try

    not to go blind looking at the 100 or so varieties of the 2009 LP1 Log Cabin series (notice there is no lobbying going on for their inclusion or any long threads comparing notes on them)

    John Wexler has the patience of a saint if he could distinguish between those minute errors.

    Dennis, we hope that you will seriously consider at least a top five (out of the many) DD varieties : Wddr-001, 002, 006, 025, 043 I think would be a good representation.

    I know, since you've been a collector most of your life, that newfound errors/varieties take time to develop into bonafide "collectibles". I think these have had enough attention to date

    that warrants a serious look by yourself and the Whitman group who makes these decisions. I would be interested to know what your "personal" opinion is of these and if you would

    perhaps champion them in your meetings with the other decision makers. It is good to have checks and balances that protect the integrity of your publication; as you stated, no one

    person can be swayed and make a unilateral decision to include something into the Redbook. Having said that, it is also good for someone like yourself (well respected veteran collector)

    to bring something like the 2009p Formative errors to the table and open up a serious dialogue about their inclusion.

    Thank you again for the opportunity to speak directly to you about this subject. Please look beyond the status quo and Believe! imageimage

    << <i>


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