Books

Whitman, a leading name in numismatic publications, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated release of the second print run of the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties: Volume II, 6th Edition. This invaluable reference, which made its debut at last year’s ANA World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh, quickly became a favorite among collectors and dealers alike.

According to Dawn Burbank, Whitman’s vice president of sales, the first print run of over 7,200 copies sold out in under four months, demonstrating the immense popularity of this guide within the coin-collecting community. “The Cherrypickers’ Guide was one of our best book sellers of the entire year,” Burbank stated. “We couldn’t keep them on the shelves, and overall, we sold the entire print run in just under four months.” She added, “We expect the second print run to sell just as fast, based on pent-up demand for the wildly popular title.”

Now, collectors have the opportunity to get their hands on this essential resource once again. The 320-page spiral-bound hardcover Cherrypickers’ Guide can be ordered for $39.95 online at whitman.com, Whitman’s Ebay Store, Amazon, and will be available in bookstores, hobby shops, and other online retailers nationwide later this month. Coin enthusiasts are encouraged to ask their favorite coin dealer for a copy.

The Cherrypickers’ Guide series has been a staple in the coin-collecting community since its inception in 1990, captivating thousands of hobbyists with its insights into rare die varieties. Authored by Bill Fivaz and professional numismatist Larry Briggs, this guide teaches collectors how to “cherrypick”—that is, how to identify unusual characteristics in seemingly ordinary coins, such as doubled and tripled dies, overdates, and repunched mintmarks, among others.

Volume II, 6th Edition features more than 440 die varieties, including nearly 80 new additions. From Capped Bust and Liberty Seated coins to Roosevelt dimes and Washington quarters, this comprehensive guide provides detailed descriptions and close-up photographs to help collectors identify valuable varieties.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Whitman is pleased to announce that Volume III of the Cherrypickers’ Guide series is set to be released this summer, prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money 2024 in Chicago. This edition will cover half dollars through federal gold denominations, bullion coins, commemoratives, and even coins from the Philippines. For the first time ever, Volume III will feature Greysheet-based pricing and GSID numbers, enhancing the utility of this indispensable resource.

Brandon Hall, Whitman Cherrypicker’s Guide production editor, expressed his pride in the upcoming release: “The high level of community collaboration, updated content, and added features such as GSID have taken this high-demand product to the next level.” Bill Fivaz, one of the co-authors, believes Volume III to be the “best Cherrypicker ever.”

With the release of the second print run of Volume II and the highly anticipated arrival of Volume III, Whitman continues to solidify its position as the go-to source for serious coin collectors worldwide. Don’t miss out on these essential guides—order your copy today and elevate your numismatic knowledge to new heights!

We are pleased to share with you some bittersweet news regarding one of the most esteemed figures in numismatic publishing. After an illustrious nineteen-year career as publisher at Whitman Publishing, Dennis Tucker will be bidding farewell to his role at the end of February 2024.

Throughout his tenure, Tucker has been a pivotal force in shaping the landscape of numismatic literature, overseeing the publication of over 300 titles spanning various fields including numismatics, banking and financial history, American presidency, and U.S. military history. His leadership has been characterized by unwavering dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence.

Under his guidance, Whitman Publishing has witnessed a modern renaissance in numismatic literature, marked by the development of bestselling series such as the Bowers Series and the iconic “100 Greatest” library. Tucker’s own contributions to numismatic scholarship are equally noteworthy, with his award-winning book American Gold and Silver: U.S. Mint Collector and Investor Coins and Medals, Bicentennial to Date standing as a testament to his expertise and passion for the field.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tucker has been a staunch advocate for the numismatic community, earning accolades such as the ANA’s Glenn B. Smedley Memorial Award and being named one of the most influential people in numismatics by Coin World. His commitment to promoting numismatic education and awareness has left an indelible mark on our hobby.

As Dennis Tucker embarks on this new chapter in his life, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service and dedication to the numismatic community. Though he may be stepping away from his role at Whitman, we are confident that his presence will continue to be felt in various numismatic endeavors and philanthropic pursuits.

Please join us in congratulating Dennis on his retirement and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors. His legacy will forever be cherished, and his contributions to the numismatic world will continue to inspire generations to come.

The third edition of Harlan J. Berk’s 100 Greatest Ancient Coins will debut in December 2023, available from bookstores and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at Whitman.com). Here, David Hendin, vice president and adjunct curator of the American Numismatic Society, shares his thoughts on the book and its author.

The greatest thing about Harlan Berk’s 100 Greatest Ancient Coins—aside from the coins!—is that even family and friends of collectors will appreciate the fabulous photos of these treasures and Harlan’s concise historic explanations. Collectors fear not, however, since Harlan has also provided current scholarly information to satisfy them as well. He also gives us a book that covers Greek, Roman, and so-called Byzantine coins in a single, impressively entertaining and informative volume.

I can’t think of another person more qualified to have written this popular book than Harlan J. Berk. He is a serious collector and connoisseur of art and paintings. (He has amassed the best-known collection of Chicago Modernists.) Anyone who has even chatted casually with Harlan knows his excitement for the subjects, as well as his expertise. He has also been a leading coin dealer, based in Chicago, for more than fifty years. He maintains an extensive numismatic library at his office and welcomes collectors and scholars. I’m proud to say that we have been friends for fifty years or so.

Harlan is obsessed with beauty and workmanship of coins, which, he notes, “have been collected almost since they were issued. There is evidence that the leaders of some great cities issued wonderful artistic coins made by recognized artists so that future generations would know what heights they reached. . . . Renaissance kings and princes collected coins. . . . Today ancient coins are collected around the globe.”

If you are one of those readers who tend to skip the text and admire the beautiful photos and look up values—don’t even think about it. Harlan’s notable introduction explains a great deal about ancient art and how it evolved; in the third edition of 100 Greatest Ancient Coins he adds a new section on cave paintings. We also get Harlan’s quick guided tour of coinage from the beginning up to the Eastern Roman Empire (the topic of one of his other important books), as well as an overview of collecting, grading, and authentication. Especially illuminating is Harlan’s snapshot of how the values of these coins have evolved from the mid-twentieth century forward. I’ve been reading about ancient coins for more than fifty-five years, and I learned something!

In this third edition, Harlan has paid special attention to updating his text on Tyre shekels, coins with portraits of Cleopatra VII, Athenian owl tetradrachms (a significant summary that updates dating theories and suggests that some later Athens types, once believed to be Athenian in origin, were actually struck in the ancient East), the Horseman staters of Tarentum, Brutus’s Eid Mar coins, Nero’s Port of Ostia sestertius, Titus’s Colosseum sestertius, Constantine IV folles, and the Judaea Capta sestertius. Photos of these coins and others have been upgraded to even more fabulous than in previous editions.

If you are a collector on a budget, you don’t need to worry. If you cannot afford to purchase all 100 of these significant coin types, there are many first-cousins of the “100 Greatest” that can still be purchased for less than $100.

It’s not easy to write about the “best 100” of anything. Harlan presents his numismatic hit parade in the order they were issued, hence #87, the Ionia electrum stater, is listed first. There is also an appendix that lists the coins in their order of “greatness,” as well as an appendix that shows the coins in actual size alongside each other together with dimensions, weight, and page number where the coin is featured.

Even some collectors often pass over words they do not fully understand. Harlan provides a brief but excellent illustrated glossary of terms, locations, and mythological and actual names that enhance the book’s value.

It’s no wonder that the first two editions of this classic book are “out of print.” It is the perfect gift for your cousin, aunt, uncle, mom, dad, sibling, grandpa, or friend who collects ancient coins. In fact, it’s a fun book to read for anyone interested in ancient history.

Coin collectors have a well-known saying: “Buy the book before the coin.” In this case you must have the book, so in this case it is okay to buy it before or after you buy the coin. You will be paging through it for many years to come.

Whitman Publishing announces the release of the 15th edition of A Catalog of Modern World Coins, 1850–1964, by R.S. Yeoman, edited by Arthur L. Friedberg. The 544-page book is available nationwide as of October 2023, in bookstores and online.

The revised and edited 15th edition features retail valuations by coin type for 300 nations and states, in up to four grade levels. Editor Arthur Friedberg and his team of experts from around the globe provide an accurate snapshot of the exciting market for more than 11,000 world coins.

The 1st edition of the Catalog of Modern World Coins was published in 1957 (at which time it listed coins from 1850 to 1955). Collectors quickly nicknamed it the “Brown Book,” after its cover color—similar to the “Red Book,” as author R.S. Yeoman’s Guide Book of United States Coins was popularly known.

Modern World Coins is an introductory coin book, a framework for organizing a collection of coins of the world by type or design. The editors have made every effort to illustrate as many coin types as possible. The book contains more than 7,300 actual-size coin photographs to aid in identification.

Coins are listed chronologically by nation, and grouped by metallic content, design, and denomination. Average retail values are shown for each type and denomination, in multiple grades. In addition, a substantial number of rare dates that sell for higher premiums are shown separately, just beneath their respective type-listing charts. Similarly, prices are given for nearly 800 Proof coins and Proof sets.

Modern World Coins is useful for beginner and advanced collectors as a handy source of information to supplement more complex books that list all dates, mints, and varieties. Friedberg, who has edited the book since the 1980s, says, “I have always enjoyed using the Catalog of Modern World Coins. The period of 1850 to 1964 is where you find the greatest concentration of collecting interest for world coins. There is a strong demand for a reasonably priced book that gives collectors all the information they need in a portable format that’s more concise than the larger telephone-book–sized references.”

Dozens of specialist dealers, collectors, researchers, and historians contributed their time and knowledge to make the 15th edition the most comprehensive and accurate to date.

One major upgrade in the 15th edition is the arrangement of the gross weights, finenesses, and net metal contents of every country’s silver and gold coins, 1850 to 1964, in both grams and troy ounces. In past editions these data, compiled in great detail by numismatic researcher Holland Wallace, were gathered in an appendix. In the 15th edition, this information was moved to each country’s catalog listing, for more convenient access. In almost every case these coin weights and finenesses are from official sources such as mint reports and other government publications.

Other major changes in the 15th edition include reorganization of the Canadian provinces, which are now listed under their own names (while cross-referenced under “Canada”); substantial reorganization of the coinage of China; and expansion of the listings for Colombia. Throughout, the typography of the book has been updated for improved readability.

As in prior editions, Modern World Coins includes coverage of 25 German princely states, free cities, and other independent bodies that issued their own coinage, from the Grand Duchy of Anhalt to the Kingdom of Wurttemberg. It also covers the coinage of 56 Indian princely states, from Alwar to Travancore, and 10 Mexican Revolutionary states, from Aguascalientes to Sinaloa. Medals, patterns, and tokens are generally excluded, but bullion issues are included for some of the popular series.

For researchers, the 15th edition includes an appendix of the coinage standards of the Latin (1865–1926) and Scandinavian (1874–1958) Monetary Unions; an alphabetical listing of world coin denominations, from the abbasi of Afghanistan to the Polish zloty; and an index for ease of looking up information.

R.S. Yeoman, the book’s original author, wrote about the appeal of world coins in 1984: “There are dozens of different ways that you can collect foreign coins. You can select gold coins of the world; crown-size coins (approximately U.S. silver-dollar size) from various countries; type coins of a particular country; commemorative coins; a single coin from each country; all types of coins from a single country or group of countries; or coins of a different variety or design—for example, coins with fishes on them, or coins with foreign rulers. As you get into it, you can view and consider many other areas.” He pointed out that most foreign coins “are not collected by date and mintmark, the way American coins are, but rather by type. It is for this reason that the [Yeoman and Krause-Mishler] numbering systems in this book are so useful. This is how most coins have been collected for years.”

“This handy volume is perfect for today’s world-coin hobby,” says Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. He describes the book as “small enough to easily hold, carry, and read, but packed with useful photos, data, and valuations.”

On October 3, 2023, Whitman Publishing released Safeguarding History, the memoirs of internationally famous artifacts collector and dealer Kenneth W. Rendell. Subtitled Trailblazing Adventures Inside the Worlds of Collecting and Forging History, the 328-page book shares Rendell’s business philosophy as well as his life story, and shows why he’s known as the “Indiana Jones” of the collecting world.

Among coin collectors, Rendell is noted as a founding member of the Rittenhouse Society, a contemporary of Q. David Bowers and Kenneth Bressett. He was a prodigy coin dealer while in his teens in the 1950s, selling colonial coppers to such luminaries as Ambassador R. Henry Norweb, and a contributor to the Red Book at the age of sixteen.

Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote the foreword to Safeguarding History. Here, she shares her thoughts on Kenneth Rendell and his autobiography:

“This eloquent, captivating, and moving memoir takes the reader on the journey of an eleven-year-old boy, Kenneth Rendell, growing up in a poor neighborhood, who, with the sale of a single 1806 half dollar, experiences the magic of collecting and goes on to become the world’s most notable collector, dealer, and appraiser in historical letters, documents, and artifacts.

And what a journey it is! We share his excitement when, at the age of sixteen, he meets a dealer in presidential documents and trades his entire British coin collection for a group of presidential letters. While old coins were great historical artifacts, he fell in love with handwritten letters that provide a window into the hopes and dreams—the very soul—of figures who have shaped the destiny of our country. Collecting became an emotional pursuit as well as an intellectual one.

In an essay on the nature of collectors, the philosopher Walter Benjamin argues that collecting allows children a small corner where they can order a disordered world. For the teenage boy whose father fell into bankruptcy and committed suicide, collecting provided a sanctuary where he could be on his own, free from the pandemonium of his household.

He had found his vocation, the arena in which he felt he was most vitally alive, when, as the philosopher William James suggested, a voice inside speaks and says, ‘This is the real me!’ And how lucky we are to share in his passion, to savor the moments he comes upon breathtaking documents and letters—manuscript pages written by Henry David Thoreau, a George Washington letter discovered in a New Hampshire auction, a Thomas Jefferson letter about the future of slavery. (This letter, which Rendell bought in the early 1970s for $20,000—a princely sum when still in his twenties—and then immediately sold to Malcolm Forbes for $25,000, was eventually sold again in the 1990s after Forbes died for $700,000.)

Over the decades, as Rendell’s collecting interests expand from modern to ancient times, from North America to every continent in the world, we meet a cast of intriguing characters and are privy to an inside look at the complex world of collecting—a world filled with adventures, mysteries, sensational hoaxes, thefts, and even murders.

Self-taught in foreign languages, culture, and history, Rendell becomes an expert in authenticating handwritten materials and documents and is called upon as a special consultant in a number of high-profile cases that read like fast-moving detective stories.

A master storyteller, with keen insight into the motivations of people, Rendell brings the reader into the drama of uncovering the biggest hoaxes in modern literary times—the discovery of sixty volumes of a purported Hitler diary; the dramatic unearthing of a diary by Jack the Ripper, promising to reveal the mind of one of the most notorious serial killers; the sensational Mormon White Salamander letter and the related murders.

We follow Rendell’s painstaking work that revealed the forgeries—his examination of the individual characteristics of handwriting and the known habits of the writer. A uniformity in the writing and the ink used would suggest a diary written in a short period rather than over a number of years. He knew how to date the ink, the paper, the bindings, the use of words not yet in use in colloquial language. In Jack the Ripper’s supposed 1880s diary, the use of the phrase ‘one off,’ which was not in common use until 1925, was a clear warning signal.

Rendell’s role in debunking these multi-million-dollar hoaxes landed him in the front pages of newspapers and magazines. In print and on television, he was dubbed the Indiana Jones of the collecting world.

In each case, other independent experts had authenticated the material, and a great deal of time and money had been spent in publicity and publishing rights. Rendell concluded that publishers had seen only what they wanted to see—beating the competition, fame and fortune.

There are additional compelling stories behind Rendell’s creation of a 10,000-book library for Bill and Melinda Gates, and the building of the most comprehensive World War II collection that follows the war from beginning to end through tens of thousands of documents and artifacts, including Hitler’s writings, Nazi party banners, anti-Semitic broadsides, Resistance newspapers, Churchill’s propaganda posters and manuscripts, a first edition of Anne Frank’s diary, and the surrender documents.

In the end, however, this compelling memoir is the story of a boy who rises above adversity with ambition, a curiosity that allows him to keep learning his entire life, a powerful work ethic, an ability to think outside the box, and, most importantly, a recognition that reputation and character are the true driving forces of success.”

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Doris Kearns Goodwin is a historian and presidential biographer, international keynote speaker, and New York Times #1 best-selling author. Her book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II earned the Pulitzer Prize in history. She is the author of other bestsellers including Wait Till Next Year, The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys (adapted into an award-winning television miniseries), and Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream

As collectors and numismatists celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the first minting of the Franklin half dollar, Whitman Publishing is unveiling an updated fourth edition of A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars. This 248-page edition, authored by professional numismatist Rick Tomaska, is poised to become an indispensable resource for coin enthusiasts, providing insights into the rich history and intricate details of these iconic coins.

Franklin half dollars, minted from 1948 to 1963, and Kennedy half dollars, minted from 1964 to the present day, hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and investors alike. “Whether you’re a collector spending $50 a month or an investor with a budget of $50,000, there are challenges and rewards to enjoy with these historic coins,” affirms author Rick Tomaska.

The new edition of the guide not only delves into the retail and auction markets but also provides a comprehensive exploration of the coins’ designs, production techniques, and their cultural significance. Tomaska offers valuable insights into the transitions in Mint craftsmanship, shedding light on why Franklin and Kennedy half dollars represent the culmination of a particular era in coinage history.

Readers will find detailed examinations of these coins, including date-by-date commentary on exceptional and highly toned specimens. The book also offers a glimpse into the world of Proof coins, explaining their production and grading processes. Collectors will appreciate the coverage of factors like Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast, Full Bell Lines, certified coin populations, and other elements crucial for assessing value and rarity. To aid collectors further, the guide includes information on collectible die varieties, tips for informed purchasing, and a wealth of full-color photographs.

What’s New in the Fourth Edition:

1. 1964 Specimen Kennedy Half Dollars: The edition includes new research on these coins, adding to their historical context.
2. NGC Rick Tomaska Signature Series: The guide covers this unique designation, providing collectors with valuable information.
3. Updated Coin Photographs: New images enhance the reader’s understanding and appreciation of these coins.
4. Revised Values: Values for each coin in multiple grades have been updated, reflecting current market conditions.
5. Auction Data and Recent Retail Sale Records: Providing the latest insights into market trends.

Rick Tomaska’s expertise extends to the fiftieth-anniversary gold and silver Kennedy half dollars minted from 1964 to 2014. Additionally, the guide features illustrated appendices on “Exceptional Cameo Contrast” and remarkable error and misstruck Franklin and Kennedy halves. An illustrated chapter on Proof Liberty Walking half dollars, described as “true classics born during the wonderful Renaissance era in American coin design,” offers a deeper understanding of the coins that paved the way for the Proofs of the Franklin series.

Rick Tomaska, a well-established figure in numismatics and a contributor to the Guide Book of United States Coins (popularly known as the “Red Book”), brings more than forty years of experience to the table. His passion for numismatics shines through as he shares his knowledge. Tomaska commented, “I finally feel comfortable saying that I’ve made my mark on the numismatic community.”

In the foreword, numismatic historian Q. David Bowers emphasizes the value of this guide, stating, “By reading this book you can become an expert on these widely collected coins.” Indeed, the fourth edition of A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars promises to be an essential companion for collectors and investors seeking to delve deeper into the world of numismatic treasures. This edition is available online at Whitman.com and through booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.

Collector Demand and Growing Interest in Die Varieties Drive Success

The sixth edition, volume II, of the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties is making numismatic history as it approaches a sellout of its first print run. The release of this highly anticipated coin guide at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh from August 8 to 12, 2023, has created a buzz among collectors and dealers alike. The overwhelming demand has prompted Whitman Publishing to order a second print run, ensuring that collectors will continue to have access to this invaluable resource without interruption.

At the ANA show, sales were brisk but limited to one copy per customer due to the high demand. Whitman’s vice president of sales, Dawn Burbank, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Cherrypickers’ Guide was one of our best sellers in Pittsburgh. Collectors and dealers bought every advance copy we had, and thousands more have shipped from our main inventory.”

One of the driving forces behind the success of this latest edition is the renowned coin dealer Larry Briggs, a die-variety specialist. Briggs served as the volume editor for the sixth edition, meticulously updating every entry and collaborating with other experts to incorporate new coins into the guide.

As part of the ANA’s “Money Talks” educational programming, Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker presented a talk titled “Cherrypicking Rare Coins in 2023 and Beyond.” During his presentation, Tucker highlighted several factors contributing to the growing interest in die varieties among collectors:

1. Hot Coin Market: The overall coin market has experienced substantial growth over the past few years, igniting interest in all aspects of numismatics.
2. Internet Accessibility: The internet has connected collectors worldwide, providing unprecedented access to information and high-resolution coin images.
3. Resurgence in Book Publishing: A resurgence in book publishing and easy-to-use websites have empowered collectors to share knowledge and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
4. High Attendance at Coin Shows: Large coin shows, such as the ANA World’s Fair of Money, have witnessed record attendance numbers, attracting numerous active dealers.
5. Competitive Registry Sets: Competitive registry sets offered by PCGS and NGC have fostered friendly competition among collectors, leading to increased demand and excitement for specific coins.

Tucker also shared his observations on the die-variety market, including the deletion of more than two dozen Barber dime varieties from the fifth edition due to waning collector interest and the emergence of gold coin die varieties as more significant contributors to coin pricing.

He emphasized the value of hobby clubs and organizations, such as the Liberty Seated Collectors Club and the Barber Coin Collectors Society, for their contributions to die-variety research.

In the sixth edition, volume II, most of the new die varieties are among Roosevelt dimes, Liberty Seated quarters, and Washington quarters. Looking ahead to volume III in 2024, collectors can anticipate entirely new chapters on Bust half dollars and an abundance of new die variety listings among Liberty Seated half dollars, Franklin half dollars, Morgan silver dollars, Peace dollars, and U.S./Philippine die varieties of 1903–1945.

While some die varieties, such as half dimes, twenty-cent pieces, trade dollars, and classic commemoratives, may be less popular these days, there are still new varieties to explore for dedicated collectors.

The 320-page spiralbound-hardcover Cherrypickers’ Guide is available for $39.95 online, including at Whitman.com, and can be found in bookstores nationwide.

About the Cherrypickers’ Guide:

The Cherrypickers’ Guide, authored by Bill Fivaz and Larry Briggs, assists collectors in identifying rare and valuable coin varieties through close-up photographs and text descriptions. This latest volume features more than 440 die varieties, including nearly 80 new additions, across various coin series, making it an indispensable resource for coin enthusiasts. Bill Fivaz, a highly respected authority on numismatic errors and die varieties, and volume editor Larry Briggs, a well-known dealer, author, and educator, have collaborated to create a comprehensive guide that reflects the evolving landscape of coin collecting.

Attention coin enthusiasts and collectors! The highly anticipated ninth edition of Mega Red, the Deluxe Edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins, is now available for sale. This comprehensive numismatic guide, boasting a whopping 1,504 pages, is a treasure trove of information that delves deep into the world of U.S. coinage, offering updates and revisions across various coin series.

What sets the ninth edition of Mega Red apart is its expanded study of quarter eagle gold coins, the $2.50 denomination that was issued from 1796 to 1929. Over 178 pages, every type, date, and mintmark of these coveted gold coins is meticulously examined. From history and illustrated grading standards to mintage information, strike characteristics, and collectible die varieties, this edition leaves no stone unturned. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a newcomer to the hobby, this in-depth analysis is bound to enrich your understanding of quarter eagle gold coins.

Spanning from the Capped Bust coins of the 1790s to the Indian Head coinage just prior to the Great Depression, Mega Red covers all eight major quarter eagle types, providing a historical journey through these fascinating periods of U.S. coinage.

Mega Red’s content extends beyond quarter eagles, featuring more than a dozen appendices that explore specialized subjects within the numismatic realm. These include patterns, error and misstruck coins, counterfeits, American medals and tokens, the American Arts Commemorative Series gold medallions, and even a detailed study of So-Called Dollars contributed by numismatists Jeff Shevlin and William D. Hyder. Additionally, the book offers insights into the United States Mint’s upcoming coinage programs, allowing collectors to stay ahead of the curve.

Presented in a larger format measuring 7 x 10 inches, Mega Red boasts a staggering 1,040 pages more than the regular edition, making it five times bigger overall. With over 9,000 items priced across up to 13 grades each, along with 50,000 individual values and 15,000 auction records, this guide is a collector’s dream. The inclusion of thousands of full-color images, including many new to this edition, enhances the visual experience and aids in coin identification and appreciation.

From colonial times to the modern era, Mega Red covers a wide spectrum of American coinage. Encompassing half cents through $20 gold double eagles, bullion, commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, error coins, tokens, medals, and more, this guide is a comprehensive resource for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of numismatics.

The editorial team behind Mega Red is a lineup of esteemed experts in the field, with Q. David Bowers as Senior Editor, Jeff Garrett as Valuations Editor, and Kenneth Bressett as Editor Emeritus. The guide also features contributions from over 120 numismatists, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

A standout feature of the ninth edition is the 2023 Coin Market Report by Jeff Garrett. In his report, Garrett expresses a positive outlook on the rare-coin market, highlighting the incredible information available to today’s collectors and how Mega Red exemplifies this wealth of knowledge.

Mega Red’s legacy of expanding focus on specific coin series continues with this edition. From copper half cents and large cents to nickel five-cent pieces, dimes, quarter dollars, half dollars, and more, Mega Red consistently evolves to cater to collectors’ interests.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an aspiring numismatist, or simply intrigued by the world of coins, the ninth edition of Mega Red promises to be an invaluable addition to your collection and a gateway to a deeper understanding of the rich history and artistry behind U.S. coinage. Order your copy today and embark on a numismatic journey like no other.

Numismatic enthusiasts, collectors, and researchers gathered at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh from August 8th to 12th, 2023, witnessed a significant moment in the world of coin collecting as the sixth edition, volume II, of the esteemed Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties was unveiled. This unveiling marked not only a celebration of numismatic diversity but also paved the way for the anticipation of the final volume of the sixth edition set to make its debut in 2024. Coin enthusiasts have even more to look forward to as the book’s editors have invited collectors, dealers, and researchers to contribute their insights on U.S./Philippine coins for inclusion in the upcoming sixth edition, volume III.

The forthcoming volume III of the Cherrypickers’ Guide is set to encompass a broad spectrum of die varieties, ranging from Capped Bust, Liberty Seated, and Barber half dollars to Liberty Walking, Franklin, and Kennedy half dollars. Beyond that, it will delve into trade dollars, Morgan and Peace silver dollars, modern dollar coins, gold coins (ranging from dollars to double eagles), classic commemoratives, and silver, gold, and platinum bullion. This installment will introduce several new chapters, with one of the most exciting additions being the inclusion of die varieties from coins minted for the Philippines under U.S. sovereignty.

The historical context surrounding U.S./Philippine coins adds an intriguing layer to the numismatic landscape. The United States gained control of the Philippine Islands in 1899, following the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. In 1901, a civil administration replaced the American military government, leading to the creation of a new coinage system that harmonized with older Spanish coin issues while maintaining a one-to-two exchange rate with U.S. currency. U.S./Philippine coins were manufactured from 1903 to 1945, featuring various denominations from bronze half centavos to silver pesos. Notably, this coinage also included a set of commemoratives released in 1936.

The Guide Book of United States Coins, commonly referred to as the “Red Book” among numismatists, has consistently recognized the significance of U.S./Philippine coins in America’s numismatic history. The 77th edition of the Red Book highlights popular die varieties such as the 1917-S, 7 Over 6, one-centavo overdate; the 1909-S, S Over S, silver peso with a repunched mintmark; the 1934-M, Recut 1, five-centavos; and the intriguing 1928-M twenty-centavos muled with the reverse of a 1928 five-centavos.

The editors of the Cherrypickers’ Guide warmly welcome input from passionate collectors, dealers, and researchers regarding U.S./Philippine die varieties. To contribute to this monumental endeavor, individuals are encouraged to send their recommendations via email to cherrypickers@whitman.com. Submissions should ideally include comprehensive information along with high-quality, clear photographs to aid in the assessment process.

For those eager to be part of this endeavor, the deadline for submitting recommendations is set for October 1, 2023. With the Cherrypickers’ Guide continuously evolving and expanding its horizons, the numismatic community can anticipate an enriching addition to their coin-collecting journey in the upcoming volume III, which promises to bring U.S./Philippine coins into the spotlight of rare die varieties.

In a thrilling announcement, IMEX partner Gary Adkins revealed that Steve Forbes, renowned economic commentator and Chairman of Forbes Media, will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the International Money Exposition (IMEX). The convention, fondly referred to as IMEX, will take place from October 26 to 28th, 2023, at the prestigious Music City Center in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

“We are extremely excited to have Steve Forbes at the International Money Exposition,” exclaimed Gary Adkins. “Steve is one of the nation’s foremost thinkers on the subject of the economy and a passionate advocate of the principles of sound money. At this crucial juncture, IMEX attendees will greatly benefit from hearing Steve’s unparalleled insights into the nation’s economic future.”

Steve Forbes is scheduled to address the audience at the opening ceremonies on Friday, October 27, 2023. Following his speech, at 1 pm, Mr. Forbes will be hosting a book signing session for his highly relevant new book, “Inflation: What It Is, Why It’s Bad, and How to Fix It.” Accompanying him at the book signing will be co-authors Elizabeth Ames and Nathan Lewis, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to interact with these economic experts. Due to the high demand and limited availability, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

The International Money Exposition has generated a renewed sense of enthusiasm and anticipation, becoming the first major event of its kind in the numismatic circuit in over three decades. Nashville, renowned for its vibrant culture and entertainment, has proven to be a top destination for visitors and families. The city’s commitment to safety and security further adds to its appeal. With the event scheduled during the fall, attendees can expect pleasant weather, creating an ideal environment for a memorable experience.

Some of the largest and most reputable dealers have already reserved their spaces for the event, indicating its inevitable sellout. The general public is warmly invited to this world-class gathering on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, 2023, with early bird access available on Thursday. The IMEX organizers promise an array of exciting announcements in the coming weeks, ensuring that IMEX will be the “must-attend” event of 2023. To avoid disappointment, early hotel reservations are strongly recommended.

The International Money Exposition offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in economics and sound money principles to gather, learn, and engage with industry experts. With Steve Forbes headlining the event and a host of esteemed dealers participating, IMEX promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. So mark your calendars and join us in Nashville for a weekend of insightful discussions, valuable networking, and an unparalleled celebration of economics and numismatics.