NEW BOOK: CHERRYPICKERS’ GUIDE, SIXTH ED., VOL. 2

The newest volume of the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic that shook much of the publishing world as well as society at large. The book’s original coauthor, Bill Fivaz, along with volume editor Larry Briggs and a distinguished panel of contributing specialists, have continued to work on the project, which covers die varieties of U.S. coins from half dimes to gold double eagles, plus commemoratives, bullion, U.S./Philippine coinage, and other series.

To cherrypick in the coin-collecting hobby means to examine a coin that appears normal at first glance, looking for unusual characteristics — like doubled and tripled dies, overdates, and repunched mintmarks — that reveal it to be rare and valuable. In the Cherrypickers’ Guide, close-up photographs and text descriptions instruct the reader in what to look for. The book includes rarity ratings, market analysis, and retail values.

Volume editor Larry Briggs, a professional numismatist well known as an expert in die varieties, is correcting, updating, fine-tuning, adding information, reporting on the market, and generally improving the Cherrypickers’ Guide coverage in a thousand ways, said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker, who describes the sixth edition, volume II, as the biggest and best volume of the CPG yet. The team is wrapping up work, meeting in person and by phone on a regular basis, and conferring with expert dealers, collectors, and researchers.

No hard date has been set for the book’s rollout, but it’s nearing completion and anticipated to be available for the 2021 holiday season.

The sixth edition, volume II, is slated to include more than 800 die varieties, including many new additions. It will cover Capped Bust coinage from half dimes through half dollars; Liberty Seated coinage; Barber silver coins; and every modern series from the early 1900s to date, plus gold dollars through $20 gold coins, classic commemoratives, modern bullion pieces, and coins minted for the Philippines under U.S. sovereignty.

Many coin series are being expanded, and the new book will include some entirely new sections, said Tucker. This volume includes many of the most popular U.S. coin types, including Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, Liberty Walking half dollars, Franklin and Kennedy half dollars, Morgan and Peace silver dollars, and modern dollar coins.

Coauthor Bill Fivaz, a coin collector since 1950, has earned recognition as one of the country’s most respected authorities on numismatic errors and die varieties. He is a longtime contributor to the Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book). With the late J.T. Stanton, he coauthored the first Cherrypickers’ Guide in 1990, launching the modern boom in interest in die varieties.

Larry Briggs is well known to the hobby community as a dealer, author, and educator. He served the American Numismatic Association as president of its Authentication Committee. A student of history and archaeology, Briggs served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Ford Motor Company before launching his own business, Larry Briggs Rare Coins, in 1978. His specialties include error coins and die varieties, Liberty Seated coinage, and early American coppers.

To read the complete article, see:
New Cherrypickers’ Guide, Sixth Edition, Volume II — in the works (https://mintnewsblog.com/new-cherrypickers-guide-sixth-edition-volume-ii-in-the-works/)

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