Whitman has issued a pared-down, large format, "bookzine" edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins by Yeoman and Bressett. It is intended for the novice collector, the person newest to American coins, perhaps attracted to the State Parks quarters, or having inherited a collection, needs to start "somewhere." If you are an active collector and have a Red Book - just one? - this is not the book for you. However, this is a great gift. The large 8-1/2 x 11 format allows big pictures and big type. The front matter narrative is essentially the same as the Red Book you know. The large type makes it seem less formidable. The focus here is entire on US Federal. Pre-federal and colonial issues get only a nod. More attention goes to Nova Constellatio and Fugio coppers, and the Coins of 1792. Merchant tokens, Hard Times Tokens, Civil War Tokens, and Pioneer Gold have been removed. Whitman editor and publisher Dennis Tucker told me that the idea for this edition came from big box retailers who wanted something that they could put in a magazine rack. I have to admit that everyone goes through the checkout lanes. We all pretty much agree that we want to advance and extend the hobby. This is an excellent way to achieve that.
The thing is with that is when people inherite a collection they usually come here asking the community what it's worth. There is no need for such a book, they will be putting us all out of business just as walmart did to small clothing stores.
I didn't realize that CT was in the "business" of of appraising inheritance. Last time I checked, we are a community of people with similar interests who enjoy sharing that interest and discussing it with others. I don't really see how such a book will be "putting us all out of business." Actually, I think it might be a useful reference for a new collector. I still think the Red Book is the ideal first book, but I can see how this would be useful.
CT is in the business of educating and sharing knowledge, so I welcome the "competition". I'm not sure that the Red Book really needs to be more simplified either, but if this makes it look like an easier read maybe more people will take that first step.
Sounds like a good idea for Whitman. I would have seen that book as more approachable and probably would have bought it when I first started.
