NEW BOOK: GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS, PROFESSIONAL EDITION, 4TH ED.

Whitman Publishing has released the fourth edition of its expanded version of the best-selling Guide Book of United States Coins (known within the hobby as the “Red Book”). The 384-page volume, called the Professional Edition, is intended for intermediate and advanced collectors, numismatic researchers, professional coin dealers, auctioneers, and investors. It is available online (including at Whitman.com), at bookstores nationwide, and from hobby dealers and booksellers.

The Professional Edition is 45% larger than the regular-edition Red Book, at 8.5 x 11 inches, and is spiralbound for convenient reference. It retails for $29.95. Features of the Professional Edition include:

• Detailed coverage of every federal coin type, half cents through double eagles, plus classic commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, and bullion coins.
• Expanded valuations, including multiple Mint State and Proof levels, plus Full Steps, Full Bands, Full Head, Full Bell Lines, Cameo / Deep Cameo, and other specialized designations.
• Certified-coin population summaries (PCGS and NGC) for every date and mintmark—including the number certified, the average grade, the percent in Mint State, and the finest Proof.
• Recent auction data for coins listed.
• Additional die varieties in every denomination, with close-up photographs for easy identification.
• High-quality, full-color photographs (more than 1,600 altogether) of Mint State and Proof coins, for every type.
• Detailed research, estimated mintages, and market information on early 1800s–early 1900s Proof coinage, including gold.
• Expert guidance on striking and sharpness characteristics for each type—valuable information when comparing coins for purchase.
• Insight on availability and condition rarity for each type.
• Detailed grading instructions, including for Mint State and Proof coins.
• Informative chart notes that expand on the history, characteristics, and market values of significant coins.
• Enlargements of key focal points and varieties—many more than in the regular edition.
• A section on the U.S. Mint’s silver, gold, and platinum bullion coins.
• An appendix on “Great Collectors and Collections of the Past.”

The Professional Edition’s editorial team consists of Senior Editor Kenneth Bressett, Research Editor Q. David Bowers, and Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett. Dozens of hobby leaders contributed their expertise to the book’s production.

“The first Professional Edition Red Book was published in 2009,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Over the years we’ve made useful improvements and additions. Innovations in the fourth edition include combined certified-coin population data from NGC and PCGS; a table of popular die varieties found in Proof and Mint sets; hundreds of new photographs; and updated chart notes based on the latest numismatic research.”

All of the book’s coin valuations, certified populations, and auction data have been reviewed and updated for the new fourth edition.

“The Red Book Professional Edition gives its users real-world market information on every coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint,” said Whitman president Mary Counts. “As a single-source reference book it has no comparison.”

A Guide Book of United States Coins, Professional Edition, fourth edition Senior editor Kenneth Bressett; research editor Q. David Bowers; valuations editor Jeff Garrett.

ISBN 0794837365
384 pages, full color.
8.5 x 11, spiralbound softcover.
Retail $29.95

Wayne Homren, Editor

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web