Collectible Red Books

Interesting question:

1) "Rare Coins" by Von Bergen (1880's to 1890's)

2) Then the 55 year (approximately) run of THE STAR RARE COIN ENCYCLOPEDIA and The Star Coin Book, both by B. Max Mehl, out of Texas.

3) Then Wayte Raymond's book from the 1930's to 1957. (the last one after he died was issued by, among others, Walter Breen).

There are others, but most were local, self-promoting publications.

And, of course, the Blue Book started in 1942.
(as a wholesale guide.)

 

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I have a few of those Star Rare Coin Encyclopedias and they are also very interesting to read. I'd suggest to any one of you if you get the chance to pick up one of these old guides and take a look, you might be surprised at what our high dollar coins of today were once worth. Its really interesting.

 

The Wayte Raymand book was the standard reference before the Redbook. It was also the book that Eliasburg used for building his collection. If it wasn't in there he didn't need it.

One thing about those Star Rare coin catalogs, the price shown in them was NOT what the coins were worth. Those were Mehl's BUYING prices being offered to unknowledgeable noncollectors. It's like saying that todays Bluebook tells you what your coins are worth, only worse. You couldn't go to a dealer back then and BUY those coins from them for anywhere close to what the Star Catalog said.

 

Condor:
Good point, but for the man who nearly invented the hobby in a dreary time (the Depression) he did more than many others to popularize the hobby.

 

Hi I am New to this Forum,I have numerous REDBOOKS, including 1st Edition 1947 1st & 2nd printings, as well as 1948,1949,&many,many,many more ,as well as RARE, 1987 40TH Edition 95thanniversary Milwaukee Convention Edition 1986 with imprints of Krause,Gansberg,and Yeoman on Front Cover,also have a leather burgandy 1947 tribute edition in Very Fine Condition, all together around two totes FULL. ANY INFO GREATLY APPRECIATED , Scott C. JOHNSON

 

Hi I am New to Forum/site, I have numerous copies of RedBooks, will have to tally all the editions, I have prized Editions in Safe Place, 1947 1st Edition both 1st & 2nd printings,1948,1949 &NUMEROUS MORE, as well as the Rare, 1987 40th Edition (95th anniversary Milwaukee Convention 1986 Edition,in Great Condition) was seeking info as to where I can possibly sell/auction to anyone interested in them,I also Have a VF leather bound 1947 Tribute Edition with Brassett autograph,No.45 of 500. Any info is Greatly Appreciated, THANK YOU,~Scotty J~

 

nice to see your posts, PM me for info

 

Hi there, im not sure if this is correct method of contacting You,im not to up on messaging ,but for certain interested in any info on potentially selling/auctioning off editions I do have. Thank You for time.