All of the posts I read on here refer to the Red Book for values. What is the Blue Book? What are the differences between the two?
I haven't looked at a "Bluebook" in ages, but my recollection is that it's more of a wholesale guide, as opposed to retail, like the "Redbook". Either way, each of them is outdated in many cases by the time they come to press and I'd strongly recommend guides which are more current/updated more frequently. No guide is accurate in anywhere close to all cases and they shouldn't be relied upon too heavily.
As Mark stated, the Blue Book is wholesale prices. The Guide Book (Red Book) is more retail oriented. The major advantage to the Red Book over (for example) Coin World's Trends is the great info that is provided for each type of coin. Sure, it is lacking vs specialized books, as in, the varieties from Overton's Bust Half dollar book, but as a quick guide, you can't possibly beat it. It contains info on many types that just can't be found easily elsewhere. Also, the info on mintages is great, say, if you are looking to see possible sleepers in a series. Also, for the study of price trends over a period of decades it can't be beat.
I've never relied on the Blue Book for anything but to collect them. As Frank said, its great for information and for tracking price trends. Thats what I use mine for. Its very interesting to look through older copies of either and see how values of different coins have gone up over the years.
