Whitman has announced the latest release of the classic Red Book: A Guide Book of United
States Coins.
-Editor
Whitman Brands™ proudly announces the return of A Guide Book of United
States Coins, the world's #1 best-selling price guide and numismatic reference, now enhanced in its
completely-redesigned 79th edition. Since 1946, collectors worldwide have trusted this guide for its
grade-by-grade coin values, historical insights, detailed specifications, high-resolution photographs,
and accurate mintage data. Wholesale shipments begin late March 2025.
The 2026 edition has been meticulously redesigned with the collector in mind. It features a larger 6"
x 9" format, an intuitive layout, and over 32,500 market values in up to nine grades for more than
12,000 coins, tokens, medals, sets, and other collectibles. It also includes new market insights,
updated research, and the latest mint data. For the first time, pricing is based on Collector's Price
Guide (CPG®) retail pricing, and Greysheet Identification (GSID?) catalog numbers are integrated
for seamless identification across Whitman's family of products.
“I am truly honored to have been part of this year's transformation, working closely with the
extremely talented and professional staff at Whitman and the invaluable Red Book Advisory Panel
of more than 70 numismatic industry leaders, experts, and supporters,” said Jeff Garrett, Editor and
President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries. “Every change, from the book's physical size to its
presentation order, was carefully chosen and implemented with a single goal—to enhance the
collector's experience.”
Key Enhancements
In terms of layout, collectors will notice several key improvements, with certain major sections now
arranged by collector preference rather than strict technical definitions.
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The Private and Territorial Gold chapter has been significantly expanded, now including BG
(Breen-Gillio) attribution numbers. Previously covering about 100 listings in two-and-a-half
pages, this section now spans more than five pages with approximately 580 total listings.
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Commemoratives chapter has been reorganized to better align with market conventions. They
are now grouped by denomination and listed by the familiar names collectors use. Classic
commemoratives are arranged alphabetically, while modern commemoratives remain listed
by date.
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Circulation and Proof-strike value charts have been separated throughout the book, making
it easier for collectors to assess market values. Type-coin value charts have been added for
each coin type, where applicable, including qualities of surface (e.g., Deep Cameo, DMPL),
strike (e.g., Full Bands for dimes, Full Bell Lines for half dollars), and color (Brown, Red
Brown, and Red). Coins known in all three levels of the relevant quality may have as many
as 27 price points, ranging from G-4 to MS-65RD.
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New data organization consolidates coin type information at the beginning of each section,
allowing readers to compare multiple types without flipping back and forth, improving
readability and accessibility.
Additional enhancements include:
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Fun-fact spotlights throughout the book.
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A regular, fully illustrated case study in the “Grading U.S. Coins” section (this edition's
focus: Morgan Dollars).
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A new “Collector's Notebook” covering timely topics in numismatics (this edition's subject:
Misinformation in Numismatics).
With over 25 million copies sold, the Red Book remains one of the best-selling nonfiction books in
American publishing history—an invaluable resource for collectors at all levels. “Our commitment
remains strong, not only to preserving its legacy but also to expanding its reach,” said John
Feigenbaum, Publisher and President/CEO of Whitman Brands. “From the Red Book to Red Book
Quarterly (formerly CPG Coin & Currency Market Review) to the Red Book Podcast (now in its
sixth episode and quickly growing in popularity), we are building something truly special and
enduring for the collecting community.”
In addition to the larger 6x9” format, the 2026 Red Book will be available in four different print
bindings: hardcover, perfect bound softcover, spiral-bound, and large print spiral-bound. Pre-order
purchases can be made now at Whitman.com and Amazon; regular purchases can be made through
Whitman's Ebay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide
beginning April 8, 2025.
For more information, visit
whitman.com.
For all episodes of the The Red Book Podcast or to subscribe to the Greysheet & Red Book YouTube
channel, visit
https://www.youtube.com/@greysheet-redbook/playlists.
Wayne Homren, Editor
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.
To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor
at this address: whomren@gmail.com
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