U.S. Coins in General

Here are several excellent books on United States coins in general. See the links in the table near the bottom of the page for more specialized books.

A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009 (62nd ed.) by R.S. Yeoman; edited by Kenneth Bressett. Published in 2008 by Whitman Publishing.

Popularly known as the "Red Book" this annual reference has been consulted by coin collectors everywhere since 1946 for typical retail prices for government minted coins and many private issues used in the United States from the colonial era until the present. Coin values in up to 9 grades are compiled from data supplied by more than 100 contributors, providing the most extensively researched data available.

The wealth of information on regular U.S. coinage, colonials and territorial issues (including identification tips, sizes, weights, compositions, mintage numbers, the history of U.S. coins and more) makes the Red Book an invaluable resource for collectors of U.S. coins. 429 pages with actual size photographs of all types and magnified photos of many varieties.

A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009 (62nd ed.), Hard bound (pictured), ISBN 978-079482491-9. Regularly $16.95, Our Price:  $13.55
A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009 (62nd ed.), Spiral bound, ISBN 978-079482494-5. Regularly $14.95, Our Price: $11.95
A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009 (62nd ed.), Hard cover with internal spiral binding, ISBN 978-079482495-2. Regularly $19.95, Our Price:  $15.95

Note: our remaining copies of the 2008 (61st) edition are now on sale at 40% off the suggested retail price!

Handbook of United States Coins 2008 (65th ed.) by R.S. Yeoman; edited by Kenneth Bressett. Published in 2007 by Whitman Publishing.

The Red Book (see above) lists typical retail prices. This counterpart, commonly called the Blue Book, is a guide for average dealer buying prices based on data provided by more than 50 contributors. All U. S. coins are covered. 239 pages.

Handbook of United States Coins 2008 (65th ed.), Soft bound, ISBN 978-079482383-2. Regularly $9.95, Out of stock, 2009 edition due out this summer.

A Guide Book of United States Type Coins (2nd ed.) by Q. David Bowers. Published 2008 by Whitman Publishing.

Part of Whitman Publishing's "Official Red Book" series, this valuable resource has been completely updated, including coverage of several new type coins issued since the first edition was published. The first chapter is a concise history of U.S. coinage, which alone is enough to make the book a must read. Chapter 2 covers several options for building a high quality type set and is followed by an explanation of the most widely used grading system for U.S. coins and by tips for being a smart buyer. The bulk of the book is a wonderful treatise on U.S. type coins of each denomination, from half cents to $20 gold pieces, and from the first federal coinage into 2008. Information for each type generally includes color photographs; circulation and proof mintages; size, weight and composition; the designer(s); keys to collecting; aspects of striking and appearance; current and historical market values in several grades; and certified coin population reports. A great addition to the library of any coin collector! 282 pages.

A Guide Book of United States Type Coins (2nd ed.), Soft bound, ISBN 978-079482283-5. Regularly $19.95, Our Price: $15.95

United States Coinage - A Study by Type by Ron Guth and Jeff Garrett. Published 2005 by Whitman Publishing.

In the foreword, retired Congressman Jimmy Hayes writes "there is not a more eloquent expression of our national evolution than that engraved and struck into the coins directly touching the hands of not only those who made history but also those who contemporaneously experienced its passage. By design, the artists' images placed upon our coinage have become the most visible curators of our history[...]  Within these pages, Ron Guth and Jeff Garrett have afforded the reader an opportunity to view and appreciate the true importance of our nation's coins, whether seen with a child's fascination for shiny pictures or the numismatist's sophistication for rarity and condition."

Design details and specifications are included for every circulating U.S. coin from half cents through double eagles.  Mintages, retail values, certified populations and historical price performance data are also included, along with full color enlarged and actual size photos. 168 pages.

United States Coinage - A Study by Type, Hard bound, ISBN 079481782-3. Regularly $39.95, Our Price: $31.95

Renaissance of American Coinage 3 volume set. Published by Seneca Mill Press.

The individual volumes of this outstanding three book set are offered below, each at 17% off its suggested retail price.  Order the complete set and save an additional $5!

Renaissance of American Coinage 3 volume set, Hard bound. Regularly $194.85, Our Price: $156.85

Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908 by Roger W. Burdette. Published 2006 by Seneca Mill Press.

Author Roger Burdette delves into the saga of inspiration, imagination, tragedy and tenacity that yielded bold new designs for America's gold coins.  Burdette's meticulous research with original source materials expands on and corrects some details of the oft repeated tale of Theodore Roosevelt's quest to redesign American coinage, the undertakings of Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the twilight of his masterful career, and how the makeover of American gold coinage was ultimately completed.  382 pages.

Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908, Hard bound, ISBN 0-9768986-1-6. Regularly $64.95, Our Price: $53.95

Thank you!