This page has some books listed. Wait for some of the other paper money experts to give their recommendations. http://www.papermoneyguide.com/reading.htm
[FONT=Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For small sized US Notes this is one I really like and suggest: Standard Guide to Small Size Paper Money, 9th edition - by John Schwartz & Scott Lindquist and here is the "Official Red Book of Paper Money" you asked about: [/FONT] A Guide Book of United States Paper Money, 2nd Edition (Official Red Book) Arthur Friedberg [FONT=Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Both are illustrated throughout with color plates, printages and guide-book style values. [/FONT]
Also the new edition of that same book releases this November: Standard Catalog Of United States Paper Money, 29th Edition
I use: Paper money of the United States by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg (18th edition) The early paper money of america by Eric P Newman (5th edition) National Bank Notes by Don C. Kelly (6th edition) A guide book of Southern States Currency by Hugh Shull (The official red book)
One other thing I would recommend is that once you get all of the standard books bought, (and these are excellent recommendations), do not think you are done. Still search out more specific books. Knowledge is money, and frequently more specific books will have information not found anywhere else. I have done this many times with coins, and found information that enabled me to find true rarities for little money since the information was not in the general catalogs.
The 19th Edition of Paper Money of the United States by Arthur and Ira Friedberg will be released soon. A number of changes have been made. I would highly recommend obtaining a copy of the new edition when it's released. The Whitman Encyclopedia of U.S. Paper Money by Q. David Bowers is another fantastic reference.
Thanks for all the help i ordered Standard Guide to Small Paper Money and A Guide Book of United States Paper Money 2nd Edition. I just started a with U.S. note and some other and thought i should do so research to no what im buying.
A wise decision! :smile The investment and study can enrich your collection, help you be aware of features of notes worth their asking price or helping you spot a deal if not, plus save you from making as many mistakes acquiring pieces for your collection. Good luck to you and happy reading.
I just order a copy last night too. I have the Whiteman guide to US currency which is very nice in that it has some large size, small size, and fractional information. It just does not have quite enough information on, like star notes for some of the earlier Federal reserve notes, or run size information.
well right now i have 1957 $1 star 1957-A star $1 and a 1957-B star and that is what made me want to continue with notes
While there are many good books out there, one of my personal favorites is the 7th Edition of Gene Hessler's "Comprehensive Catalog of U.S. Paper Money".. he is by far my favorite Author on Banknotes. Also consider these as well; Hessler: US Essay, Proofs and Specimen Notes Hessler: An Illustrated History of U.S. Loans These 3 books tie together a whole realm of Paper Money and finincial instruments in the USA. If anyone is interested, please let me know. In the past we have had his books personalized, I am sure we can do it again. RickieB
