Mar 27, 2018 | Announcements
(Pelham, Alabama) — The fourth edition of MEGA RED (the Deluxe Edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book) will officially debut April 10, 2018, with retail pre-orders being shipped on that date. The 1,504-page MEGA RED retails for $49.95. It can be pre-ordered online (including at Whitman.com) and after April 10 will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.
Every U.S. coinage series has been updated and revised in the fourth edition, and new sections have been added. The book includes an extensive 294-page feature on America’s ten-cent coins (Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt dimes), written by Q. David Bowers and covering 845 varieties from 1796 to date. New appendices explore error and misstruck dimes; pattern dimes; counterstruck dimes; dime scrip issued by banks, merchants, and towns; “paper dimes” from the Treasury Department; Civil War sutlers’ “dime” tokens; Civil War ten-cent store cards and dimes used as planchets for silver Civil War tokens; dimes discovered in the SS Central America; the history of the famous 1894-S dime; a snapshot of the dime market in 1946; irradiated dimes; an illustrated essay on the greatest U.S. dimes; the “Liberty” subset of First Spouse gold coins; and more.
Billed as the “biggest, most useful Red Book ever,” MEGA RED measures 7 x 10 inches and has 1,040 more pages than the regular edition. The larger size and increased page count combined make MEGA RED five times bigger than the regular-edition Red Book. It prices more than 8,000 items in up to 13 grades each, with 48,000 individual values and more than 15,000 auction records covering circulated, Mint State, and Proof coinage. The book is illustrated with thousands of full-color images, including thousands that are new to this edition.
MEGA RED covers American coinage from New England colonial times to the modern day—half cents through $20 gold double eagles, plus bullion, commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, error coins, significant tokens and medals, coins struck by the United States for the Philippines (1903–1945), and other numismatic collectibles. It follows the basic structure of the regular-edition Red Book, but each chapter is dramatically expanded with more historical information, more die varieties, detailed grading instructions with enlarged full-color illustrations, specialized advice on strike characteristics and other technical details, market analysis, auction data, and guidance on collecting and investing in rare coins.
Kenneth Bressett, who has served as MEGA RED’s Senior Editor since the first edition, has retired this year to the position of Editor Emeritus. Stepping into the Senior Editor role is former Research Editor Q. David Bowers, with Jeff Garrett continuing as Valuations Editor. A 57-page introduction, “The Story of American Money,” is based on the work of the late Dr. Richard Doty, senior curator of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian. Dozens of numismatists have contributed research, photographs, market analysis, and other valuable knowledge and resources.
Each year’s new MEGA RED features an in-depth focus on one or more coin series. The first edition included a 364-page section on copper half cents and large cents, with images, history, diagnostics, and pricing for 832 die varieties, 1793–1857. The second edition featured 330 pages covering 607 varieties of Flying Eagle, Indian Head, and Lincoln cents, 1856 to date. The third edition’s feature was on nickel five-cent pieces—Shield nickels, Liberty Head nickels, Buffalo nickels, and Jefferson nickels—covering 545 varieties in 314 pages.
For federal coins, detailed charts show each mintage; a summary of certified population data; average national retail prices in grades ranging from About Good to high Mint State and Proof; and three or more recent auction records for most coins. Enlarged close-ups of die varieties provide visual guidance. Extensive chart notes give the backstories and additional details on significant coins.
Regularly updated appendices include illustrated essays on misstrikes and error coins; rare and collectible numismatic books; bullion values of common-date silver and gold coins; the top 250 coin prices realized at auction; grading standards for U.S. coins; special modern gold coins; So-Called Dollars; coin clubs; and modern United States Mint medals.
The book’s special-feature appendices include fresh material with each new edition. Past editions have explored coin cleaning, preservation, and conservation; counterfeit coins in today’s marketplace; the dynamics of the rare-coin market; techniques of smart bidding at auction; Scouting and numismatics; American Arts gold medallions; investing in modern gold and silver bullion; building a registry set; determining coin prices and values; predicting the rare-coin market; how to get a new die variety listed in the Red Book; collecting numismatic literature; hobo nickels; love tokens; and chopmarked coins.
MEGA RED will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at www.Whitman.com). Whitman Publishing is the Official Supplier of the ANA, and Association members receive a 10% discount off all purchases.
# # #
MEGA RED: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe Edition, 4th edition
ISBN 0794845800
1,054 pages, full color, $49.95 retail
By R.S. Yeoman; Senior Editor Q. David Bowers; Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett; Editor Emeritus Kenneth Bressett
Mar 22, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
America the Beautiful Quarters 2018 Uncirculated Coin Set (U.S. Mint image)
This set contains five uncirculated quarters from the Philadelphia Mint and five uncirculated quarters from the Denver Mint with reverse designs honoring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan); Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin); Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota); Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia); and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (Rhode Island). The obverse (heads) design of all coins features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, which has been restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. The set is priced at $13.95.
The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set is also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/ to learn more about this convenient ordering option.
Mar 21, 2018 | ANA, Announcements
Hobbyists interested in attending the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 50th annual Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colo. can now register for the event online. The two one-week sessions will be held June 16-28. ANA members who register by Mar. 31 will save $50 per session on the cost of tuition; life members who register will save an additional $25 per session. Register online here.
Summer Seminar is a once-a-year opportunity for intense numismatic study and the 2018 program features a lineup of classes to meet virtually every collector’s needs. To view a full list of courses, daily excursions and session schedules, visit www.money.org/summer-seminar.
What’s Fresh
World Numismatics
Instructor: Benjamin Swagerty
Session 1: June 16 to 21
Learn about numismatics from around the world, including hard-to-obtain rarities, general issues, commemoratives and more. This course will show you how to develop and organize your collections in an accessible, flexible way by using the Internet and other resources. It also will help you become an active and knowledgeable international collector.
What’s Exclusive
Numismatic Publishing: A Practical Guide to Writing About Coins
Instructors: Steve Roach and Dennis Tucker
Session 1: June 16 to 21
This course is designed for individuals who want to write for today’s top numismatic publications. Students will learn about different types of writing, the elements of quality (i.e., readable) coin writing, and will receive an overview of the various venues available for publishing. Participants also will build an outline and work on producing an article suitable for publication, which will be peer reviewed. By the end of the class, students will lay the groundwork for an article they can be proud of and will gain further confidence in their writing skills.
What’s Fundamental
Collecting United States Type Coins
Instructors: David W. Lange and Frank Van Valen
Session 2: June 23 to 28
This interactive class will teach students how to collect U.S. coins by regularly issued type. Participants will explore the rarity of each design and denomination in relation to grade. They also will learn the technical aspects of strike and planchet quality and the aesthetics of toning. Students are encouraged to bring their own coins for evaluation and study.
What’s Original
Legacy & Coinage of Father-Son Mint Engravers William & Charles Barber
Instructors: John Frost and Glenn Holsonbake
Session 2: June 23 to 28
This hands-on course will explore the history and coinage of the 5th and 6th U.S. Mint chief engravers, William Barber (1869-1879) and Charles Barber (1880-1917), respectively. Students will study in detail all six circulation coin series created by this duo during their tenures, from the late-19th to the early-20th century. The class also will explore the mint medals designed by these prolific engravers and more.
Lodging
Students may select from a variety of lodging options to meet their needs, preferences and budget. Most stay in Colorado College campus dorms (adjacent to the ANA), while others elect to stay in nearby hotels. For a complete list of ANA preferred hotels, refer to page 22 of the Summer Seminar Course Catalog.
Travel
Summer Seminar attendees are encouraged to contact M&M World Travel Service for travel arrangements. M&M works closely with the ANA to provide competitive airline rates and personalized service. Students can take advantage of the ANA’s complimentary shuttle by flying into the Colorado Springs Airport. To make M&M travel arrangements, call 800-426-8326 or email pwhitnah@mmworldtravel.com.
For additional information, contact Meghan Reed, the ANA’s seminar representative, at seminars@money.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Mar 15, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
SUPPORT RESEARCH. SAVE LIVES.
The United States Mint is proud to introduce the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program and its role in funding treatment advances and finding a cure. This 3-coin program includes a clad half dollar, a silver dollar and a $5 gold coin with a pink hue, marking the first time the United States Mint has produced a coin of this composition.
All three coins share common designs. The obverse design features two women. The older woman has her hands on her chest and a relieved expression on her face. The younger woman, with a scarf on her head, holds one hand over her chest and the other raised in a fist as if she is ready to fight. A butterfly flies above the two women. The reverse depicts a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in flight, a symbol of hope.
Purchase the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative coins to support advancements in the world’s most promising research and take advantage of introductory pricing through April 16, 2018 at 3 p.m. ET!
The Mint will limit orders for the $5 gold coins to one per household per product option, across all sales channels, including bulk purchases, for the first 24 hours of sales. The Mint will remove the limit Friday, March 16 at noon ET.
Research Saves Lives →
Mar 15, 2018 | Announcements
The U.S Mint has released three unique coins to commemorate the journey towards the cure for breast cancer.
All Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative coins submitted to PCGS for authentication through the ‘Submissions for a Cure’ program will include a special edition label and pink gasket.
PCGS has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and will be donating 50% of the label price to BCRF to fund the research needed to end breast cancer.
Submit these unique coins to PCGS and join the cause.
Read more →
Images courtesy of PCGS.
Mar 14, 2018 | Announcements
The US Mint has announced that the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coins will go on sale March 15. Six different versions will be released: uncirculated and proof clad half dollars, struck in Denver and San Francisco; uncirculated and proof silver dollars, struck in Philadelphia; and uncirculated and proof gold five-dollar coins, struck at West Point.
Notably, the gold five-dollar coins are the first “pink gold” coins ever issued by the United States. The coins combine pure gold with an alloy composition that gives them a pink hue — the color that represents breast cancer awareness.
NGC will honor all the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coins by encapsulating them with a special inspirational label for no additional fee. Submitters can also choose to have their Breast Cancer Awareness Coins encapsulated in NGC’s distinctive Pink Holder, which further enhances the presentation of these coins, for an additional $5 per coin.
Read more →
Mar 14, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for collectible bags and rolls of 2018 Kennedy Half Dollar coins on March 20 at noon Eastern Time (ET).
Available product options and their prices are as follows:
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
MINT MARK |
PRICE |
| 18KA |
200-Coin Bag |
P and D |
$139.95 |
| 18KB |
Two-Roll Set |
P and D |
$32.95 |
All product options contain circulating finish Kennedy Half Dollars from the Denver Mint and the Philadelphia Mint facilities that have not been placed in circulation. The coin rolls are wrapped in United States Mint paper coin wrap marked with a “P” or “D” for the mint of origin and “$10” for the face value. Each bag is marked with a “P” and “D” for the mint of origin and “$100” for the face value of the contents.
The obverse (heads) of the Kennedy Half Dollar features the original 1964 design of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2018.” The reverse (tails) design is based on the Presidential seal and consists of a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast holding a symbolic olive branch and a bundle of 13 arrows. A ring of 50 stars surrounds the design with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
The Mint accepts orders through its online catalog at catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The bags and rolls of Kennedy Half Dollars are also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Learn more about this convenient ordering method at catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/.
Mar 8, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for product options in the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program beginning on March 15 at noon Eastern Time (ET).
Public Law 114-148—the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act—authorizes this three-coin program in recognition of America’s fight against breast cancer. The program includes a clad coin, a silver coin, and the Nation’s first-ever gold coin with a pink hue.
The table below lists available product options and their prices. Each option comes with the Mint’s customary Certificate of Authenticity.
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
INTRODUCTORY PRICE |
REGULAR PRICE |
| 18CE |
Proof $5 Gold Coin |
See pricing grid |
See pricing grid |
| 18CF |
Uncirculated $5 Gold Coin |
See pricing grid |
See pricing grid |
| 18CG |
Proof Silver Dollar |
$51.95 |
$56.95 |
| 18CH |
Uncirculated Silver Dollar |
$48.95 |
$53.95 |
| 18CJ |
Proof Clad Half Dollar |
$27.95 |
$32.95 |
| 18CK |
Uncirculated Clad Half Dollar |
$25.95 |
$30.95 |
The introductory sales period ends on April 16, 2018, at 3 p.m. ET. At that time, regular pricing will take effect.
The Mint prices gold product options according to the range in which they appear on the Mint’s “2018 Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum Products” table, available here.
Coin prices include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver coin, and $5 for each half dollar coin. The Mint is authorized to distribute the surcharges—in accordance with the law—to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to further its efforts in breast cancer research.
Public law authorizes the Mint to strike and issue up to 50,000 gold coins, 400,000 silver dollar coins, and 750,000 half dollar coins in proof and uncirculated qualities. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins minted within the authorized mintage limits.
In October 2018, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mint will offer a coin and stamp set featuring the Breast Cancer Awareness Proof Half Dollar and a Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp from the U.S. Postal Service. This product option will be limited to 25,000 units.
The Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468), while hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The Mint will limit orders for the gold coins to one per household per product option, across all sales channels, including bulk purchases, for the first 24 hours of sales. The Mint will remove the limit at the end of the 24-hour sales period.
Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra won the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Design Competition. Her obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs are depicted on all coins in this program. Damstra’s obverse design features two women. The older woman has her hands on her chest and a relieved expression on her face. The younger woman, with a scarf on her head, holds one hand over her chest and the other raised in a fist as if she is ready to fight. A butterfly flies above the two women. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2018,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Damstra’s reverse design features a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in flight, a symbol of hope. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “BREAST CANCER AWARENESS,” and the respective denomination of each coin: “FIVE DOLLARS” for the pink-hued gold coin, “ONE DOLLAR” for the silver coin, and “HALF DOLLAR” for the clad coin.
Mar 8, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
First Day of Sale: March 8, 2018 (8:00 a.m. ET) – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is pleased to introduce, “Homefront,”one of three cards in the “World War I – 100th Anniversary 2018” Intaglio Print Program. The Treasury Department issued Liberty Loans and Victory Bonds produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to assist with financing the Great War. This collection highlights inspiring allegorical and historical figures featured on these bonds, engraved American iconography, and currency issued during the War. The complete three-card collection is available for $51.00.
NOTE: This product will begin shipping on March 22, 2018.
Please visit our website for additional product information at www.moneyfactorystore.gov.
Mar 8, 2018 | Announcements
Best-Selling Annual Guide Prices Nearly 8,000 Items
(Pelham, AL) — The 72nd edition of the hobby’s Guide Book of United States Coins (popularly known as the “Red Book”) will debut at the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Collectibles Expo on March 22, 2018. It features new and extensively updated content reflecting the current market for collectible coins. The Red Book can be pre-ordered online (including at Whitman.com) in several formats. After the Baltimore Expo it will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.
Coin collectors have used the Red Book to value their collections since the 1st edition was published in 1946. Over many years of guiding the publication through numerous revisions and improvements, long-time Senior Editor Kenneth Bressett, now serving in the role of Editor Emeritus, has often commented on the grassroots nature of the guide, and the way collectors regard it as a book that belongs to the entire hobby. “The Red Book is a reliable standard reference written not only for collectors, but by collectors,” said Bressett. “Through their constant vigilance and input hobbyists contribute significantly each year to the Red Book’s consistency and reflection of market trends.”
At 464 pages the new 72nd edition prices nearly 8,000 entries in up to 9 grades each, with more than 32,000 retail valuations in total. “The Red Book gives a deep, wide-ranging look at today’s retail prices,” said Senior Editor Jeff Garrett. “We draw on the experience of more than 100 active coin dealers and market analysts nationwide.”
Research Editor Q. David Bowers said, “The Red Book is a single-volume library. It gives collectors and dealers valuable historical information for every U.S. coin series, from half cents up through gold $20 coins, and more.” These are illustrated by 2,000 photographs, including more enlarged close-ups of rare die varieties this year.
The latest coins from the United States Mint—Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, America the Beautiful quarters, Kennedy half dollars, Native American dollars, commemorative coins, and government-packaged coin sets—are kept up to date.
The 72nd-edition Red Book includes illustrations of the Mint’s new 2018 Centennial of World War I silver medals honoring the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Service, and Coast Guard, plus the World War I silver dollar and the new program of Breast Cancer Awareness commemoratives, including, struck for the first time ever, a pink gold $5 coin.
The 72nd edition covers 71 additional new issues compared to the 71st edition, and 15 new coin sets. Mintages have been updated across the board using the latest numismatic research and government data.
The 72nd edition continues a section that debuted with the 70th, covering foreign coins that circulated as legal tender in the British American colonies and early United States. This section includes photographs, history, and pricing for collectible Spanish-American, Dutch, French, and English coins dating from the 1550s to the 1820s.
Expansions and updates are also seen in the appendices. The appendix on modern U.S. Mint medals covers more than 40 medals and sets, now including the American Revolution Bicentennial medals, National Wildlife Refuge System centennial medals, silver Presidential medals, and others.
As in past years, collectors will benefit from the Red Book’s recent auction records provided for significant rare coins. Listed throughout the charts are nearly 200 notable auction results. Combined with the listed retail prices, the auction data help advanced collectors understand the modern market for high-priced rarities.
In addition, the appendix of the “Top 250 U.S. Coin Prices Realized at Auction” has been fully updated. Since the last edition 2 more coins have broken the $1 million mark, for a new total of 95. The coin at #250, a 1794 silver dollar, sold for $4,200 more than #250 in last year’s edition.
In a positive measure of the health of the hobby and ongoing numismatic research, the Red Book’s bibliography includes 28 standard references published within the past five years.
The cover of the spiral-bound 72nd edition shows a mix of classic and modern American coins: a 1792 Birch cent, a 2017 Boys Town commemorative silver dollar, and an 1855-S Liberty Seated half dollar.
All versions and formats of the 72nd-edition Red Book will be available at its national debut at the Whitman Publishing booth during the Baltimore Expo, March 22–25, 2018, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
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. 24 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 72nd edition, more than 140 professional coin dealers, scholars, and other numismatic experts contributed their knowledge under the direction of Senior Editor Jeff Garrett, Research Editor Q. David Bowers, and Editor Emeritus Kenneth Bressett.
The 72nd edition of the Red Book is available online and at bookstores and hobby shops nationwide. In addition to offering a Large Print Edition and several formats of the regular edition (hardcover; spiralbound softcover; and spiralbound hardcover), Whitman Publishing is also taking pre-orders for the leather-bound Limited Edition (250 copies autographed by Bressett). Details about the forthcoming 1,504-page expanded Deluxe Edition, popularly known as MEGA RED™, will be available at the Whitman Baltimore Expo and pre-orders will be taken for anticipated delivery in June. For more information and to order, visit Whitman Publishing at www.Whitman.com.
About Whitman Publishing
Whitman Publishing is the world’s leading producer of numismatic reference books, supplies, and products to display and store coins and paper money. The company’s high-quality books educate readers in the rich, colorful history of American and world coinage and currency, and teach how to build great a collection. Archival-quality Whitman folders, albums, cases, and other holders keep collectibles safe and allow them to be shown off to friends and family.
Whitman Publishing is the Official Supplier of the American Numismatic Association. As a benefit of membership in the ANA, members can borrow the Red Book (and other Whitman books) for free from the Association’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library, and also receive 10% off all Whitman purchases. Details are at www.money.org.
# # #
A Guide Book of United States Coins, 72nd edition
464 pages
Full color
By R.S. Yeoman; senior editor Jeff Garrett; research editor Q. David Bowers;
editor emeritus Kenneth Bressett.
$15.95 convenient lay-flat spiralbound
$17.95 classic red hardcover
$19.95 spiralbound hardcover
$29.95 Large Print Edition
$49.95 expanded Deluxe Edition (1,504 pages)
$99.95 leather-bound Limited Edition (250 copies)
(Pelham, Alabama) — The fourth edition of MEGA RED (the Deluxe Edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book) will officially debut April 10, 2018, with retail pre-orders being shipped on that date. The 1,504-page MEGA RED retails for $49.95. It can be pre-ordered online (including at Whitman.com) and after April 10 will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.
