Whitman Publishing Authors To Gather in Atlanta May 2011

Kenneth Bressett, Q. David Bowers, and Jeff Garrett will meet in an editorial summit at the offices of Whitman Publishing in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 9 and 10, 2011. The purpose of their two-day conference is to review several key numismatic publications and to plan for future editions.

Among the books to be discussed are the Guide Book of United States Coins (the “Red Book”), the Handbook of United States Coins (the “Blue Book”), the Professional Edition Red Book, Grading Coins by Photographs, and the Official ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins.

Bressett is the senior editor of the Red Book, having worked on the publication in various capacities since 1959. Bowers serves as the Red Book’s research editor, and Garrett as its valuations editor. The three numismatists have written or edited dozens of Whitman Publishing books in recent years, including Money of the Bible and Milestone Coins (Bressett), The Expert’s Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins and the Whitman Encyclopedia of U.S. Paper Money (Bowers), and 100 Greatest U.S. Coins and the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins (Garrett).

“Bressett, Bowers, and Garrett bring more than 150 years of combined numismatic experience to Whitman’s publications,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Each is well-known as an expert within the hobby community, and each is active on the forefront of modern numismatic research and developments.”

The team, in conjunction with Whitman editorial staff, will review new features of the online system used by more than 100 contributors to submit pricing for the Red Book and Blue Book. They will also consider recommendations for numismatic content in future editions. They will review advance pages of the new Cherrypickers’ Guide (to be published in fall 2011), as well as other ongoing projects and future releases.

“Coin grading is a dynamic activity with its own unique developments,” said Bressett. “This is one of the most important areas where Whitman can help educate both new and experienced collectors. We will examine current trends of grading in the hobby and their relation to coin values.”

Bowers noted, “Whitman receives hundreds of letters, emails, and comments from collectors nationwide, offering additions and ideas for the company’s books. We’ll be looking at these ideas and recommending action as our committee deems proper.”

“Accuracy and timeliness are crucial in pricing the rare-coin market,” said Garrett. “With a top-notch technical staff, Whitman has provided the tools for contributors and editors to compile the most up-to-date pricing information. The Atlanta summit will strengthen our techniques and strategies for the future.”

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web