We recently ordered this book at work to check it out. I now have one. It's by Krause Publications Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money (27th edition). Just over 400 pages with great pictures and covers large size to fractionals and even errors. It also provides quick cross references to Krause/Lempke and Friedberg numbers. What REALLY impressed me though is the breakdown of grades in modern notes. Now I've always been a fan of Schwartz and Lindquist (formerly Oakes and Schwartz) but the new stuff was only listed in CU no matter how scarce it might be. Case in point is the 1999 F-* $1 note. Only 640,000 printed. That is a PALTRY sum in $1 FRNs. Schwartz and Lindquist lists it at $100 I believe in CU in the new addition. It's the only grade they list. Now the Krause book lists it at $5 in fine, $25 in XF, $115 in 63, and $140 in 65. Now with an obviously scarce note this is one worth hanging on to. I have three myself but one is XF-AU versus CU. I can use this book as a guide for buying at work. We recently had a guy come in with a bunch of star notes. Most were very common I'm afraid and if the boss had looked at them he would have turned them all away. I spotted the 1999 F-* and a 1963B star note. Both we're circulated but at least I had a reference point. We bought those two notes. Drawback is that it doesn't break down blocks or give printing figures. However, in conjuction with Scwartz and Lindquist one can get a real good idea on small size. Of course there are more books to be had. I just happen to really like this one. clembo
I dont have that book, i mainly use the Friedberg book myself. I will have to look into the book you mentiion though... one can never have too many books, especially when talking about pricing in different grades. The Schwartz books is also another great book!
i just placed my order for mine just now. i have pretty much worn out my "standard guide to small size us currency" i also just picked up the 2009 red book. i am looking foward to getting this book you recommended. it will help me out a lot. i like the krause books.
Dan, What we are starting to see is the rise in Paper Money Collecting. Thus the TPGC influnce on the growing marketplace for notes in general! As with coins back in the 80's the grades were not as specific as they are now! Paper is going through the same motions and is becoming as robust as coin collecting, but has a ways to go yet! As mentioned before, I wish I had started Paper about 10-15 years ago! I feel we are in Phase 2 or early Phase 3 of Paper Money collecting! Thanks for the reference..you will also notice that Bank Note Reporter is now listing Grade variations in their inserted price guide pages as well. Regards, RickieB
