Guide Book of United States Coins 2005: The Official Redbook (Guide Book of United States Coins (Spiral))

Rating:
Summary: Still the Authority
Review: I became fascinated with coins as a youth a zillion years ago. I worked on the Lincoln cents series, memorizing the valuable dates and prices before finally completing the entire set. Since that time I have returned to coins again and again, drawn by their allure on many levels. They serve as cultural icons - an encapsulated national history lesson. They are also beautiful works of art...one cannot help but be reminded of the great sculptor Augustus Saint-Gauden who designed, according to President Teddy Roosevelt, the "most beautiful coin ever minted" - the famous and breathtaking St. Gauden's $20 gold coin. Last, but certainly not least, coins serve as an anchor in bad economic times and as excellent (the best) investments. Even in this age of technology, savvy investors know that gold and silver are "for the ages".

Throughout it all the Redbook has been a faithful companion. It succeeds where others do not for several reasons - each edition builds on prior works, research is ongoing, latest findings are presetn but most important, it remains THE repository for fair pricing. I note that it still contains the reminder, "Well-struck, uncirculated pieces demand higher prices than shown". Some things never change.

The listings are accompanied by numerous photographs including a multitude of "close-ups". The warnings are also present - Be aware of washed coins or altered dates or forgeries. But it is the grading system that forms the core of the book. Despite the non-stop battles over grading methodolgy (I prefer the 70 point system since it seems the most objective) many experts still refer to the Redbook and its language concerning feathers, stars, "LIBERTY" and hair details. As long as there are silver and gold coins there will be a Redbook.