Redbook Schmedbook

Most other collectors own a Redbook. Some never look at any other price guide. In that sense it is realistic because it is used. But looking for a book with the "right" price for every coin is like looking for a book that will tell you the correct price for every stock on the exchange a year in advance. There is no such thing.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

its unfortunate.
I always use Ebay or this Forum as a price guide, lol.

but its good to know that theres nothing there - so I wont get one
except maybe the Redbook for Info.

 

The PCGS guide is a self serving forum for their listed sets in order to increase the values for some collectors of their high end graded coin. It maintains a bogus valuation and market for THEIR grading. Showing the illusion that their coins are more valuable than other grading services.

 

The redbook was the standard for so long, when their weren't many price guides that were also catalogs that it had become the standard, maybe up into the 80's, but as collecting got more popular and etc. it kind of fell by the wayside

 

Very well put bq. I mentioned earlier that I haven't bought one in years. Not saying it isn't a good book though as it most definitely is. Just sucks as a price guide.

I'm sure the internet has had a huge effect on that. Back in "the day" values (retail) did not jump all over the board as they do today. Coin collecting was much more "pure". You went to a dealer that knew "everything", trusted his judgement and bought coins. MS examples came in BU, Choice BU and Gem. Proofs were proofs.

Now we have TPGs up the wazoo and a LOT of people aren't collectors. They are nothing but investors that have no real understanding of coins when you get down to it.

I miss the old days but have to roll with the punches.

That said I think I'll soon be buying a Redbook. Just not for the price guide.

 

The Guide Book was #1 for so many years that it still retains an important part of the collector market.
Example, in another thread someone was questioning about a possible Presidential error, regarding the rays on Liberty's crown.
I grabbed my Guide Book and there was the picture that I needed.

As far as prices, the only thing that is really current is the gray sheet, and then you have to have a dealer who is willing to deal with it.
I usually use the gray sheet for pricing, but the Guide book for reference.
As far as popular varieties, the Guide Book is the way to go. If something gets listed, then it will generally increase in value.
It even gave the 1922 D, Weak D, Lincoln cent credibility as a collectible.