The color is a little less red than it looks in the pictures because I am awful at taking pictures. Thanks for looking. Whats it worth???
There's a guy on CT that actually produces the Red Book (I think). I'm sure he can give you the definitive answer to your question. In the meantime, my 2013 Red Book lists values of previous editions (Appendix B). 1947 is actually the 1st Edition...you must mean the "2nd Printing". Your book looks pristine (to me). The 2013 Red Book lists it at $1600 in "New" condition. However, there's a foot note that says..."Values are for Near Mint Condition, as truly New copies are effectively nonexistent." So my guess is that your book could be worth as much as $1600 to the right buyer. It also states that the price could be considerably higher if it's signed by R.S. Yeoman.
Book looks brown (based upon the third picture) and warped (based upon the second picture). I've misplaced my 2014 Red Book, so I can't quote a price, but I'd guess condition would be the equivalent of Excellent-Mint in comic book grading.
I expect Treashunt will be along directly to offer his thoughts. Treashunt is the author of the Whitman Red Book titled "A Guide Book of The Official Red Book of United States Coins". For anyone looking to learn about the history of our hobby, or for collectors of Red Books this publication is a must read.
Oh...I thought he actually worked on the Red Book. A "Red Book of Red Books" kinda sounds like... ...not that there's anything wrong with that. (j/k, Frank)
Good morning. First, yes, that is a very attractive 1st Edition 2nd printing. One that is probably graded as F. [Note: for purists, books are graded at a high of Fine, which approximates a coin's grade of XF-AU. The grade of VF for grading books was added for coin collectors, & is only used for numismatic books. In fact one major numismatic book seller announced a year or three ago that he would o longer use the VF grade. The VF was supposed to be = to AU or AU+.] That said, your is a particularly nice copy. I will presume that the comment about the third picture looking 'warped' on the spine shot is merely the angle of the picture and that it is not warped. Since the current recession has been under way the values for these books have dropped - in some cases severely. But, your book would still retail & sell quickly. Values? Wholesale (to me or a dealer): probably about $500 to $600. Retail: About $750 plus a bit. However, the retail market is still very soft.
I think it would just be a hoot to look through and see what some of the keys were retailing for in 1947! An 1893 S Morgan dollar in XF for $80 perhaps?
I was too young to read in 1947, so my earliest copy is 1953. Still have it, as I kept my redbooks when I sold my collection in 1969.
close, only an unc listed for ......... $100 The 1895 P Proof: $35, and the unc was $6.00 (yup it was listed then). The '09 S VDB in unc was $15 The '16 D Merc in unc was $65-- pretty high! The 1794 $ was $650 in VF and finally the 1877 Indian Head cent was $37.50 in unc. okay, one more: the 1916 Stand lib quarter was $80 in unc. any other questions?
The coloring is solid but looks brown because of shadows. I spread the book out to take the spine picture hence the warped look. My bad.
