BOOK REVIEW: CHERRYPICKERS' GUIDE TO RARE DIE VARIETIES OF UNITED STATES COINS

Where should I begin with the most eagerly awaited numismatic book—the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins, Fifth Edition, Volume II! It covers half dimes to silver and modern dollars, including gold coins, early silver commemoratives, and modern collectible bullion. In my opinion this will become the most sought after, in demand numismatic book of the year, sure to be a bestseller. I have intently studied this book and I'm greatly impressed, to say the least, with not only its quality and the amount of information contained therein, but also with the presentation and collation of the book, making it easy to use.

This is a guide that will be carried to every coin-selling venue, dealer shops, and shows many times over by collectors and dealers alike. The book will stand up to so much use, because of the quality of the pages and the covering, as it is spiral-bound and wisely encased in a hardcover binding, which protects the spiral. It will handle many years of hard use, all while the pages are easily laid flat without bending them or damaging the spiral of the opened book. Ingenious!

Now, the main book itself: Yes, it took some more time than expected—but in my opinion it was well worth the wait! Whitman Publishing did an expert job using quality paper and excellent large clear photos of each variety listed in this book, with prices that have been carefully updated and are current. Every variety is identified with blown-up photos, and easy to determine attribution information. If it is a new listing it is stated in the description, along with the Fivaz-Stanton numbers (some cross-referenced to older FS numbers where applicable), whether the coin can be found searching in pocket change, if it is listed as a Red Book variety, and more.

A "Young Numismatist" symbol targets varieties that a young or new collector might want to focus on. Each variety has a "pickup point" guide to quickly and correctly help in confirming the attribution; the rarity of the variety based on Dave Bowers' Universal Rarity Scale; interest and salability factors are also listed, using a system which is helpful to many; the list goes on and on. It's a huge wealth of information useful to the new/beginning and/or younger collector, to even the most advanced numismatist.

Overwhelmed yet? Don't be, as the "How to Use This Book" section will make any reader comfortable, with easy to follow and understand instructions.

And last but not least there are appendices with more added information like strike doubling (which causes many collectors to think they have a doubled variety when they do not; this information should clear up any questions or concerns of identification); other forms of "doubling" (e.g., Longacre doubling and die deterioration, which again confuses collectors); an extremely well done explanation of the minting process; "What is the Best Magnifier to Use?"; using tact and respect when cherrypicking; recommended reading; and the important Fivaz-Stanton numbers cross-reference chart.

Bill Fivaz, J.T. Stanton, and the series' new editor, Ken Potter, are known and highly respected experienced variety numismatists, and they outdid themselves with this new updated guide.

Let me end with this note: BUY THIS BOOK!

Thank you for reading my humble critique and good luck in your cherrypicking.

The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins, fifth edition, volume II
By Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton; edited by Ken Potter; forewords by Q. David Bowers and Kenneth Bressett

ISBN 079483239-3
Spiralbound hardcover
512 pages
Retail $39.95

For more information, or to order, see: www.whitmanbooks.com/Default.aspx?Page=81&ProductID=0794832393

Wayne Homren, Editor

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web