This started at another thread, and I (and Jim) did not want to just hijack the thead. so, here goes: For future reference: does anyone else have a question? If I don't know the answer it may be becuase I never thought to ask the question, and I would like to find out the answer. So, inquiring minds out there? Please ask. Also, if anyone has an interesting Red Book (Guide Book) story, please pass it along to me. I am compiling info for the possible 2nd edition that Ken & I want to issue. FYI: here is the original thread: http://www.cointalk.com/t76216/
And here we go: The contributors, of which there are (in the current edition) about: 92, plus the editors, and others, as opposed to the original edition (1st edition, 1947) when there were 14 contributors. [client just came in, back soon.] Okay, back now: The editors (in the past, and still to this day) represent a corss section of the market in US Coins. The meet and discuss each & every change to the book, those coins that are to be listed, those to be removed. One example is the 1894 S high & low S MM Barber $1/2. While writing & researching my book I asked Ken why this particular variety was removed from the book. He stated that it was originally included because collectors actively collected it. [Aside: it was included in the Wayte Raymond albums for Barber $1/2's.] Times change and it was no longer considered to be a popular collectible. As for varieties, such as the 1955 DDO, it took some time to decide to include the variety. Basically, it is the collector and the demand for the coin that determines whether or not a variety is included or ignored. I know, not the best answer, but an honest one.
The question about what (particularly varieties) makes it in is the $64K one. The RedBook, along with a few other guides and the album manufacturers a la Dansco and Whitman, is one the few "market-oriented authorities" that help to define what a "standard set" is among the various series. What you choose to include or not include therefore has profound consequences, both in terms of how people collect and in terms of driving supply and demand. If a coin is in the Red Book, demand increases significantly, I suspect. Therefore, the choice of what to include has marked economic impact. Thanks,
I used to send messages to Dennis Tucker, Publisher of Whitman Books. Are you now in charge of suggestions, questions, errors in that book? If so that would be possibly easier than bothering him but how would people know that? Since there are numerous other coin web sites and Mr. Tucker has been known to freequent the PCGS forum, are you too going to be on these other forums to anwer all questions? Do you have a permanent notation somewhere indicating that all such inquiries, errors, suggestions, etc should be directed to you? Shouldn't this be stickey somewhere at the opening of forums to let people know to send all to you? Like I said I used to compile lists of such things and send to him but are you now the person to send all to? Just curious.
Not meaning to change the subject but there is presently another post about the Whitman Albums not to far from this one. Since the Red Book is a Whitman Publication and you are involved with them, would such questions be directed to you also?
I think the subject is the guide book to the red book, not the red book itself. I'm thinkng if you have a question about past red books, not changes in future redbooks, Frank is the man to ask. But who knows the pull he has for future editions.
No I was referring to the actual Red Book and present editions. In the past, as I mentioned, myself and others have found errors in some items and have notified Dennis Tucker directlly. At one time in the past he was sent numerous pages of possible errors, mistakes, suggestions, etc. on the present, at the time, Red Book. Many of these get corrected in the next issue or some times even later than that pending on the present abilitiies to stop the presses, so to speak. However, Mr. Tucker being the Publisher does not always have time himself to investigate all such items. That is why if there is others to notify, it may help in the long run for improving that publication. Would be great if there was a place right here for such items and Treashunt could handle them for Whitman. Unfortunately all such posts, like this one will vanish in very short time and many others with suggestion, found errors, etc. will not know what to do nor who to contact.
I'd be interested in hearing if they are considering any further revisions to the mintage of the 1909 VDB matte proof lincoln?? I remember it was once listed as a mintage of 420 vs. the 1194 figure used now. I do note that the Redbook does now have the footnote that says that figure is the amount "reported struck" so I guess that is where it'll stay, even though I've read in several other places that most of mintage didn't make it out of the mint to collectors. I guess that's consistent with reporting the amount of coins struck vs. those that the mint released as they do with many of the $20 gold coins and silver dollars.
