January 28, 2011 – Whitman Publishing has released the second 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 WhitmanBooks.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.
* 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.
* Certified population summaries for every date and mintmark—including the number certified, the average grade, and the percent in Mint State.
* Expanded valuations, including multiple Mint State and Proof levels, plus Full Bands, Full Bell Lines, Cameo / Deep Cameo, and other specialized designations.
* Recent auction data for coins listed.
* Additional die varieties in every denomination, with close-up photographs for easy identification.
* Informative chart notes that expand on the history, characteristics, and market values of significant coins.
* Detailed research, estimated mintages, and market information on early 1800s–early 1900s Proof coinage, including gold.
* High-quality, full-color photographs (more than 1,600 altogether) of both circulation strikes and Proof coins, for every type.
* Enlargements of key focal points and varieties—many more than in the regular edition.
* A new section on the U.S. Mint’s silver, gold, and platinum bullion coins.
* A 2009–2010 rare-coin market review, with a look forward to 2011.
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 came out of the gate strong and the second edition is even better,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “We’ve made many small but useful improvements and additions, including thumbnail photographs of every classic commemorative; dozens of new type-coin photos; and more close-ups of key details.”
“Readers wanted a section on the Mint’s bullion coins, so we’ve added in-depth coverage of that field,” Tucker said. “And the rare-coin market review puts recent hobby activity in perspective.”
All of the book’s coin valuations, certified populations, and auction data have been reviewed and updated for the new second 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 it has no comparison.”