Alright now Gentleman...

Where in the world do I get the Cherry Pickers guide from? Do I andolutely need the 7th (newest) edition? Is it better to just go ahead and get that one? Do i only need a certain volume for now? Being a newbie is an older edition ok? Or not really? Where is the best place to find what will help me?

Thanks.

 

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If you have a Kindle or e-Reader, you can get it for about $15.00 at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Cherrypickers-Guide-Varieties-United-States/dp/0794822851

Otherwise, it is a bit pricey at any online coin dealer or Amazon.

 

Holy mackerel. Is the series out of print?

 

Amazon.com. Where else? Maybe someone here will sell you one?

 

Here is an older 1 on Ebay for $72 link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/313895369683?hash=item49159f3bd3:g:sV8AAOSwJ9liHWuq

 

The newest versions cost $200

 

@Kristine Garrant …Make sure you get the right edition…the different parts are divided into specific groups. When I bought mine in 2014, it was used, 4th Edition and included Morgan and Peace dollars. The edition you buy depends on the range of denominations you need it for…ideally you want all pertinent parts of the edition. But I have only used mine 4 or 5 times in the past 8 years…just try to reason if it will be cost effective…or damn the torpedos and just buy what you need across the board…Spark

 

I do have several CPG's that I've have purchased over the years....and I am a huge fan of reference books....but Personally....I prefer the FREE information on line on many sites.
Varietyvista.com
Wexlercoins
Franklin lovers
Shield nickels.net
The difintive indian head cents
And Im sure there are more listed on coin talk as great references.
Vam world
Just to note a few.

Over the years I have found some major errors (not coins ),but information from the CPG ,with no correction changes. To follow....there's even a cpg that pictures a major Variety of an US large cent and its not even listed in the book.!
Again I am a book worm, but I am not willing to pay for information that can be had for free just by googling it.
Not to mention that you have right at you finger tips the membership here who have been collecting for decades!
And I am more than sure if asked most would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

 

I'm with @Paddy54. I do have a CPG and a few other printed resources, but I use the referenced sites far more often. Perhaps 20 to 1 or even larger. What I found most useful from the printed references is the body of information that usually precedes the individual listings. Again, that information is also available online. Just about everything is online when it comes to the modern coinage. However, for older denominations/type coins, books may be your only references. And when you are at that point in the hobby, you just might be a master variety/error collector.

 

Holy crap.
I have the 5th edition vol l &ll.
And the 6th edition vol l
They all cost me 39.95 each.

 

Wow! Here is a link to the CPG's sold.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk..._sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=60&LH_Complete=1&_fosrp=1

 

I've never had the cherry pickers guide. mostly the online resources for varieties and errors are suitable, and including checking sold listings on ebay for various things and searches is a good way to find what does and doesn't sell currently and what to keep an eye out for that might be a payday if I did find it and sold it.

there's so much free resources, I don't see the need to buy the CPG which in my opinion, might be a nice resource, but gets out of date, I don't know, I'd like to have it just to have it when they print the newest edition if they ever print a newest edition.

I "think" they are on 6th edition volume 1 and 5th edition volume 2..... and waiting for the 6th edition volume 2 release for the last forever.

All this information is available for free on the internet though. Not bashing the books, just saying neither is really available without spending an arm and a leg for it and been sold out forever and looks like nobody is in a hurry to print more anytime soon.

Might have luck out of Canada or the UK for cheaper ones if they don't know exactly what they have.
I think the books were like $25 or $26 for hardcover when they are available and being produced. It's unreasonable for them to be selling for $200-300-400+.

I'm sure if I dig I could find a free download of all of it on the internet even.

 

I enjoy books. Including the Coin resources as well. But at that price and the availability of the same(ish) information online in the public domain, well, I have several unpurchased coins that money would be better suited for.

As I’ve been told, much of the new edition edits are to correct erroneous text. Buying new gains a little in more current information relative to the passage of time. So older editions are a better value, even with the subtle errors.

 

Case in point CPG 4th ed vol ll 1829 half dime no such variety or over date .
And Ive seen sellers on ebay using this misinformation to sell this variety that isn't!
Also notice no one has taken credit for the attribution duh first clue....

This mistake was also in the 5th edition and was said it would be not in the next edition which was 6th and it was still in the book... and Im sure if gone through page by page you find more that were incorrect.


The correct attribution for this is an obv. 3 and its isn't an over date

 

One of the most sought after lg cent variety 1847/7 pictured on the cover but not listed in the book there are two 1847 varieties listed minor compared to this one.

 

Great points @Paddy54!! You’ll see various members lean towards one resource or another where a number of sources list same/similar items. It pays to use the cross references where available or use an alternate site other than your favorite go to site. This allows for the broadest coverage and improved accuracy. And by all means, cross reference other media/reference books. Cast wide and narrow down.

 

The other thing I prefer is the premium factor for varieties over a stated price. Why ....well no one wants to pay you for said vatiety with the premium factor like 6 x's retail as retail ,grey sheet is more realistic
pricing. As yes true some do hold a steady market price....but then a curve ball example the release of the 2021 Peace dollar and 1921 peace dollars ....drove prices up...finding a 21 Peace that isnt moon money.

 

Our local numismatist has many if not all of them. He lets me look through them anytime, for free too! He also advises on any question or purchase I may have. Ask around you may get lucky also! Good luck.

 

And here is my example of the 1847/47. Not the best specimen, only paid $8 for it from a junk box.

 

https://archive.org/details/guideusthreecent2003gifford/page/n277/mode/2up

Here is a 2003 text link which was a $300. Hard cover book.