Here are some of the most popular and respected coin value books:
- A Guide Book of United States Coins (The Official Red Book): This is a widely recognized and trusted annual publication, often considered the “Bible” for US coin collectors. It offers a comprehensive catalog and includes updated pricing, auction records, research, and photographs. It covers a wide range of coins, from colonial tokens to modern commemoratives. It’s available in several formats, including spiral-bound (allowing the book to lie flat for easy referencing), hardcover, hidden spiral, and large print. The Redbook provides detailed information on mintage figures, coin history, and identifying varieties. It is important to note that the prices listed reflect past market trends and may not perfectly align with real-time values, especially for coins with fluctuating bullion content like gold and silver.
- Handbook of United States Coins (The Official Blue Book): This is another annual publication from Whitman Publishing, acting as a companion to the Redbook. It focuses primarily on the prices dealers might pay for coins (wholesale pricing), rather than the retail prices found in the Redbook. It includes clear and easy-to-follow grading information for each series.
- The Insider’s Guide to U.S. Coin Values by Scott A. Travers: This guide provides comprehensive information on US coins, including facts on all US coins and a complete listing of their fair market value. It also teaches collectors how to identify valuable coins, grade and preserve coins, and navigate the coin market.
- Coin Collecting For Dummies by Neil S. Berman and Ron Guth: This book serves as a beginner-friendly guide to coin collecting, covering topics such as how to start a collection, evaluate coins, buy and sell coins, and identify fakes.
- Photograde: Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins by James F. Ruddy: This book is considered a universal coin-grading encyclopedia, showcasing over 1000 photographic examples and adjectival descriptions of regular issue US coin types. It is widely accepted as a comprehensive grading resource.
- Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton: This handbook teaches collectors how to identify unique features (varieties) in coins, which can significantly impact their value. The book includes detailed descriptions, enlarged photographs, and updated market values for over 680 varieties.
- The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins: Another price guide that provides values for US coins. It also includes information on buying, selling, and grading coins, and features a fast-find index.
While these books provide valuable information for coin collectors, it’s also helpful to consult online resources for the most up-to-date pricing information, as the market can fluctuate, particularly for coins with precious metal content. Websites like those of PCGS and NGC offer online price guides that are updated more frequently than annual publications. Using a combination of reputable books and online resources can provide a well-rounded approach to understanding coin values.
What is the best book to check coin values?
Modern Coin Rarities 1986-2016. …
Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins. …
A Guide Book of United States Coins 2025 “Redbook” …
The World Encyclopedia of Coins & Coin Collecting. …
Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900. …
The New York Times Guide to Coin Collecting:
What is the best coin value guide?
The Red Book of Coin Prices is the #1 best-selling guide to U.S. rare coin values with over 25 million copies sold. The Red Book has just been released with updated prices. Order yours today.
What is the best coin collecting book for beginners?
Great question! The redbook should be your first book, “ A guide book to United States Coins ” by RS Yeoman. Assuming you’re looking to collect US coins. Another great, albeit a bit more expensive guide, is the Standard Catalog of World coins.