I am just starting to get into paper money and was looking for a book that would be comparable/similar to the Whitman Redbook for coins. Are there any out there that are considered reliable? Thanks! -Tom
The prices aren't going to be 100% accurate, just like the redbook for coins, but go ahead and give the redbook for paper money a shot http://www.amazon.com/Guide-United-States-Paper-Money/dp/0794817866
I like Standard Catalog of US Paper Money, 29th edition. You can find previous editions for cheap on Amazon though.
Books are no good for prices. Sign up for free at Heritage Auctions and search the Auction Archives, as well you can use their "What is it worth?" feature online. Likewise you can use the Advanced Search feature on eBay and sort through "completed listings" to get a ball park estimate of prices.
For small notes, "Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money 1928 to date" is the gold standard. For large notes I just get a rolling average from several books. Of course I use these price guides for what I'm NOT going to pay, however there is more than a few occasions I paid more cause I really wanted it or trends not updated in any price guide. Fancy serial numbers are sort of like toned coins, you just need to use your best judgment and get a feel using auction results. I'm a firm believer that auction results can be influenced by time of the month(Payday), Weekend sale(I often see a 20% price spike on Saturday afternoon), and even the time day(Prime time vs middle of a work day). Heck even seller photography skills has a huge impact on closing cost.
I am picking up a copy of this book. I was also going to pick up a copy of the blackbook. Is this a good supplement or just redundant?
Do not waste your time with th Black Book. If you want coverage for large size also buy Friedberg or Krause-Lemke.
