Whitman Brands™ proudly announces the return of A Guide Book of United States Coins, the world’s #1 best-selling price guide and numismatic reference, now enhanced in its completely-redesigned 79th edition.
Since 1946, collectors worldwide have trusted this guide for its grade-by-grade coin values, historical insights, detailed specifications, high-resolution photographs, and accurate mintage data. Wholesale shipments begin late March 2025.
The 2026 edition has been meticulously redesigned with the collector in mind. It features a larger 6" x 9" format, an intuitive layout, and over 32,500 market values in up to nine grades for more than 12,000 coins, tokens, medals, sets, and other collectibles. It also includes new market insights, updated research, and the latest mint data.
For the first time, pricing is based on Collector’s Price Guide (CPG®) retail pricing, and Greysheet Identification (GSIDSM) catalog numbers are integrated for seamless identification across Whitman’s family of products.
"I am truly honored to have been part of this year’s transformation, working closely with the extremely talented and professional staff at Whitman and the invaluable Red Book Advisory Panel of more than 70 numismatic industry leaders, experts, and supporters," said Jeff Garrett, Editor and President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries.
"Every change, from the book’s physical size to its presentation order, was carefully chosen and implemented with a single goal—to enhance the collector’s experience."
Key Enhancements
In terms of layout, collectors will notice several key improvements, with certain major sections now arranged by collector preference rather than strict technical definitions.
- The Private and Territorial Gold chapter has been significantly expanded, now including BG (Breen-Gillio) attribution numbers. Previously covering about 100 listings in two-and-a-half pages, this section now spans more than five pages with approximately 580 total listings.
- Commemoratives chapter has been reorganized to better align with market conventions. They are now grouped by denomination and listed by the familiar names collectors use. Classic commemoratives are arranged alphabetically, while modern commemoratives remain listed by date.
- Circulation and Proof-strike value charts have been separated throughout the book, making it easier for collectors to assess market values. Type-coin value charts have been added for each coin type, where applicable, including qualities of surface (e.g., Deep Cameo, DMPL), strike (e.g., Full Bands for dimes, Full Bell Lines for half dollars), and color (Brown, Red Brown, and Red). Coins known in all three levels of the relevant quality may have as many as 27 price points, ranging from G-4 to MS-65RD.
- New data organization consolidates coin type information at the beginning of each section, allowing readers to compare multiple types without flipping back and forth, improving readability and accessibility.
Additional enhancements include:
- Fun-fact spotlights throughout the book.
- A regular, fully illustrated case study in the "Grading U.S. Coins" section (this edition’s focus: Morgan Dollars).
- A new "Collector’s Notebook" covering timely topics in numismatics (this edition’s subject: Misinformation in Numismatics).
With over 25 million copies sold, the Red Book remains one of the best-selling nonfiction books in American publishing history – an invaluable resource for collectors at all levels.
"Our commitment remains strong, not only to preserving its legacy but also to expanding its reach," said John Feigenbaum, Publisher and President/CEO of Whitman Brands. "From the Red Book to Red Book Quarterly (formerly CPG Coin & Currency Market Review) to the Red Book Podcast (now in its sixth episode and quickly growing in popularity), we are building something truly special and enduring for the collecting community."
In addition to the larger 6×9" format, the 2026 Red Book will be available in four different print bindings: hardcover, perfect bound softcover, spiral-bound, and large print spiral-bound. Pre-order purchases can be made now at Whitman.com and Amazon; regular purchases can be made through Whitman’s Ebay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide beginning April 8, 2025.
For more information, visit whitman.com.
For all episodes of the The Red Book Podcast or to subscribe to the Greysheet & Red Book YouTube channel, visit https://www.youtube.com/@greysheet-redbook/playlists.
Title: A Guide Book of United States Coins, 2026, 79th Edition
Authors: R.S. Yeoman
ISBN: 9780794851637
Binding: Spiral-bound
Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Pages: 484
Retail: $17.95 U.S
https://whitman.com/a-guide-book-of-united-states-coins-2026-spiral/
About Whitman Brands
Formed from the 2023 merger of the numismatic publishing powerhouses of CDN and Whitman, Whitman Brands unites iconic series and titles like the Red Book, Blue Book, 100 Greatest, Paper Money of the United States, and Cherrypicker’s Guide, plus, an expansive line of folders, albums, and supplies that have defined the retail market for decades, with the pricing and data-rich expertise of industry-standard publications like Greysheet, Greensheet, Red Book Quarterly, The Banknote Book and CDN Exchange.
Whitman Brands provides comprehensive resources for collectors, offering unparalleled coverage of collectibles, literature, cataloging, and pricing. Dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of numismatics, Whitman enriches the lives of coin and paper-money enthusiasts across the globe.
As North America’s leader in coin and currency events, Whitman Expos further elevates the brand, hosting three premier shows annually in Baltimore and expanding the company’s national influence.
The last copy I bought was in 2008. Maybe I need an update.
You got me by 2, as 2010 is my one and only copy. I never really referred to it from 2013 to ’23 since during those years I was a random Mint coin shopper, and an Ag bullion stacker, nothing else.
Now, with the significantly expanded Private and Territorial Gold chapter, it would be well worth the price of admission for me. The Gold Rush and Pioneer Gold era is interesting to me. It’s an expensive niche to collect, so for now I’m on the sidelines as a learner. I agree on an update.
Rick, I sometimes feel like I’m unnecessarily swimming against the tide while others like you are out there enjoying following the energy of the waves. I’m not sure it’s because I’m simply experiencing a bad case of retired persons fixed income insecurity or I just feel too old to warrant adding anything of much significance (read “expense”) to my collection. Considering the number and variety of other issues one normally has to deal with at this age anyway, perhaps the constant back and forth of decision (non?)making about coins is one added confounding factor too many. With this entirely unexpected… Read more »
No need to fret, and no need to necessarily add to your collection either. A simple book, a new price guide like above, or a coin podcast can satisfy any numismatists cravings. As one un-named commenter on here had previously suggested–“A Lincoln 1C Album can be one of the most satisfying, and affordable collections to have”. Don’t swim against the tide, but instead, adjust your sails to effortlessly head straight into those waves.
Buddy Ebsen, the coin collector…
“He was not only an avid collector but also a serious student of the hobby and active participant in organized numismatics. In fact, he co-founded the Beverly Hills Coin Club. His personal collection included a complete gold type set, a set of the Panama-Pacific commemorative coins in their original copper frame and a gem proof 1879 coiled hair stella (a pattern $4 gold piece).”….
Last Sunday was a typical auction evening at Great Collections, as I’m there every Sunday. Browsing & watching certain coins for research and fun, to bidding on a coin that I’d like to add to my collection, great. Well, I found a nice candidate for my 8-coin BU Silver Kennedy Short Set(’64-’70). I went after it and won it, great. My new coin is the 1965 40% Silver coin(not SMS), in MS67+ with a nice crusty tone to it, great. The ’65 has the 2nd lowest mintage of the set(65.8M), behind the 1970-D at just 2.1M coins. Anyway… After unpacking… Read more »
To my great surprise, they sent my coin inside one of their Deluxe Display Cases for 6-Certified Coins(they sell them for $45). Very nice case, very thoughtful and generous of them to do that. I have been an active client with them over the last year plus. 60 coins in all, maybe that’s it?
Better yet, Ian Russell, President of Great Collections had left me a personal note on behalf of him and his wife Raeleen, thanking me for my business.
What a great gesture from a great guy. Great Company, with Great Service.
Thanks Ian!
PS: E1,
My 8-coin Business Silver Kennedy Short Set(’64-’70), is dedicated to You.
I wouldn’t be collecting them if it weren’t for your enthusiasm, knowledge, and inspiration for the Kennedy coins, not to mention all of your other Numismatic pursuits. I’ll keep you posted on the set’s progress…
Thanks Bud.
Crusty,
Splotchy & Old,
With a Unique Personality,
Ok by Me…
Someday Me…..
And here’s the 1970-D, the lowest mintage of the 8-coin set at 2.1M coins. Soon to be delivered to its new home.
In this set, I’m going for that crusty, tarnished look, yet in top tier grades. It’s tough to get consistency with this type of surface damage, but I enjoy the challenge. A ghetto-look to some of the purist collectors, and a character coin for the toner enthusiasts. I happen to be in both camps.
MS67+……
And, in keeping with the tarnished theme, 5 weeks ago I was able to grab a 1969-D 50C in MS-67, so the set has is taking shape. The much higher mintage of nearly 130M coins takes any hint of scarcity off of the table, but its condition scarcity keeps it on many of the Registry set enthusiasts wantlists.
I’m not entirely convinced that it has full ‘NT'(Natural Toning)like I am with the above coins, so the door is open for an upgrade/replacement if an opportunity comes my way…
My 1964 MS67 90% 50C, a first-of-the-year pick-up, has some mighty wrinkly skin, but all original NT imo, and lots of luster in the background, perfect. It makes you wonder what the storage conditions were in the album it used to live in? The huge Mintage of 273M coins is crazy, but as you said E1, the 66 and greater grades can be a challenge. It’s a candidate for a replacement, so cherry-picking and patience will be needed for success…
Thanks Rick,
Looks like you have your own column now. The CN Seasoned Collector’s Column – Nice! On the 64-70 Silver Kennedy BU Set, I think you’re on to something. MS-66 and above, very tough these days. Especially since there were no mint sets from 1965-1967. And you’re looking at Proof Cameo Walkers now. Wow! Good choice. Now those are worth collecting. Nice 70-D too.
Take care Bro
Cheers
E1, Good to hear from you, my friend. Everyone(so far)who has posted on this thread are more seasoned as collectors than I, and I can appreciate your, and their numismatic experiences. This column is peaceful, not mine, and open for all. The other thread is getting noisier by the day anyway. The 64-70 Kennedy BU set is something that I stumbled upon while hanging out at the PCGS site, and decided to give the set a go, as the coins are very accessible. It’s one of many Registry sets on display over there. You yourself, were an ASE Registry competitor… Read more »
The Proof Walkers, thay are awesome E1, do you have any?
For now, I think I’ll be on the sidelines for those, as I feel like a drunken Sailor at 2am lately.
Those old OGP Proof sets linked below are really something, I’ve never seen those before. The bids are strong. They are risky investment coins, as the coins are not on full display, but yet, we know they are as Gem as Gem can get, and could very well yield a Cameo coin. The OGP is the Cherry on top.
Rick, There was a time when I had the 1937-1942 Walkers in PCGS Proof, but only one in cameo. It was a beautiful coin. I still remember it. No 1936 though. It is very tough to build an attractive problem free Proof Walker set. As these coins are usually over handled and the cello OGP is problematic over the long haul. But I am watching those sets on GC. Thanks for that link. I am currently rebuilding my Proof Franklin Half Set in Cameo. It is getting close to completion. After that, I will reattempt another Proof Walker Set. I… Read more »
E1, Good advice on the Proof purity ha! And I must say, Uncle Ben’s dome and hair is really frosty there, not to mention the other devices. NGC saw that Cameo from a mile away! Please share the progress, or the end result of the Franklin set at your leisure. If you do pursue another set of Proof Walkers, we’ll be watching for those progress reports. We’ve seen your albums, they’re things of beauty. Those OGP sets linked below are gaining traction, and they’ve added a few for the following week. So good luck if you jump in for one… Read more »
PS:
And here we have some great Mint State OGP wonders, P, D, &S style, wow great old stuff up for sale. The dippers, flippers, and collectors alike are checking these out, no doubt!
There was a collection dump of sorts.
Finding some of this stuff in an Estate sale would be the Bomb…
https://www.greatcollections.com/search.php?q=U.S.+Mint+Double+Mint+Set+Uncertified+With+Original+Government+Packaging&mode=product&sort=01
1951 PDS Set, there’s some real Gems in there…
Rick,
I see a 51 S Benji with 3 curls on the obverse. But I wouldn’t have the heart to break up that set. I’m done with the BUs though. 1952 to 1936 proof halves – that is my current mission. There is a lot of choice stuff on GC as of late.
Nice Mint Set!
Black toning – be careful.
I’ve already got a 1954 Cameo.
Yes, very dark tarnish, like the 1964 above . But, the raw ’54 looked to have some potential after a dip. Your coin though, it’s almost 3D, and he’s sculpted in ice. I can finally see the draw that these have. What is it, around 15-20% are cameo?
Rick, From my experience, colorful toning is never an issue. It is black toning that I avoid. PVC turns black in the long run and this etches the patina of the coin. This is when the corrosive strength of PVC becomes greatest. I believe Sharks2th mentioned this too. One of the questions I always ask myself when buying a coin – Is the coin dippable? Here is a nice proof cameo that had black toning similar to the one above and below is the result after the dip. So, I am highly cautious of black toning. But, I would need… Read more »
Also, the bag holding that 1954 proof set does not look original. It looks like a soft poly bag.
Copy that E,
Caution, risks, and research is the name of the game I suppose.
I remember begrudgingly helping my mom so long ago to help clean her tarnished sterling silverware sets.
No etching had occurred thankfully, but the black/purple-like toning cleaned up pretty well…
Very nice. I love that case. I’m going to have to give these guys a closer look. I’m currently watching a couple of lots in the S&B Old Holder auctions. I do love the original ephemera that comes with some of those early to mid 20th Century issues. You know me – I love me some OG packaging. Curse of a history major, I presume.
I too love the case. Black leathery outer vinyl, and lush blue velvety compartments inside.
Now, the challenge is finding a cohesive 6 coin set to assemble within.
I can’t find anything off hand that has some pop to it.
I found 6 $5 Gold commems with matching holders, nah.
Also, I found 6 coins all dated 2011, but not cohesive and boring.
Back to the drawing board, Any 6-coin set ideas anyone?….
The six Type 1 Dahlonega gold dollars (1849-1854)?
Sorry, my obsession is starting to color all of my posts.
Yer killin’ me lol…
I shudder even before checking the price guides.
And a damn great idea! I need a 2nd & 3rd job pronto, whew.
I’ve been told that idle hands are the devil’s workshop. I worked two jobs for a third of my life. You can do it, Rick!
REB,
Just a random wandering thought from a philosophical/ethical viewpoint rather than from a numismatic one. Anytime the work being done by the hands turns out to be that of the devil, then idleness would indeed be or have been a much-preferred option.
Agreed. As far as I know, none of my employment has involved satanic labor.
Ah, but that’s the beauty of it, REB; Mephisto & Company would never have revealed their true nature to you.
Six proof $2 1/2 Liberty’s from 1900s
1921-2021 $1 peace
1794 $1 and FHG
FHS and FHS privy, check yer wallet
I’ll take the $2.5’s, but my wallet is on strike due to starvation, and has recently been “DOGE’d” to death.
So maybe next time JQ
Speaking of 20th Century ephemera, I found these very old Mint Proof sets in GC’s Raw Collections & Lots category. Talk about OGP!
If those coins can be restored after being rescued from that plastic gunk, and given a decent grade, thousands of dollars could be realized if a Cameo designation is awarded to one or more of the coins in the set. History is cool….
https://www.greatcollections.com/search.php?q=1c-50c+U.S.+Proof+Set+Uncertified+in+Original+Government+Packaging+%285+Coins%29&mode=product&sort=01
Love it.
This and your last two Kennedy half posts raise a question regarding my Holder auction interest: Do you bid on something where 1) the coin looks like crap, yet has an MS grade, and 2) the lot includes supporting ephemera that you’re never likely to see again in your life?
Ah, the dilemma.
It is a dilemma REB, and once in a while, you can enjoy the best & worst of both worlds, more on that in a minute… The Stack’s Bowers Collectors Choice Online Auction of Old Holders, U.S. Coins & Currency is live today(wed), and is the best auction that they offer(for the US coin enthusiasts)imo. Just keep in mind, the Old Holder niche is alive and well, as some guys have subsets of their favorite coins encased entirely in the classic plastic. The PCGS Gen 1 & 2, and the ‘OGH’ slabs, along with NGC ‘OH’ to Gen 3 NGC… Read more »
Now, back to your dilemma,
A perfect example of a rough looking coin, with an MS grade, yet has all of the rich & complete ephemera at it’s side…
Look no further than the example linked below.
If this is the lot that interests you, then I must be a clairvoyant?!…
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1GWC9B/1936-d-columbia-south-carolina-sesquicentennial-ms-65-ngc-oh-with-original-three-coin-tab-holder-mailer-letter-and-3-columbia-
This, my friend, is truly a coin with character.
100%
I recognize that character, Kaiser.
You are indeed clairvoyant, Rick. The coin and paperwork are now mine, at least they WILL be when I get the bill, pay it and receive the coin. I have to admit that the “handsome russet tab toning on the obverse” is growing on me. It’s a weird and funky coin in a similar way as my 1838-C half eagle with the countmarks and die crack. Ironically, the “toning”/tarnishing doesn’t appear to have been done by the paper holder. It only appears on surfaces NOT covered by any part of the holder. Strange but fascinating. It blows my mind that… Read more »
Well REB first off–Congratulations on your auction win! I had just caught it live with about 20 lots to go for the day. You did get some last second competition, unless that was you doing the sniping? Not a clairvoyant this time. The tells were there, as you mentioned the SBG Old Holder Auction, your collecting interest in Southern Mints & coinage, historical buildings, and you live in SC. Easy peasy, especially when the auction had maybe two coins w/OGP add-ons? I think you paid a premium for the OGP and the supporting accoutrements, not the NGC ‘OH’ classic slab.… Read more »
“The paper tab toning/protection on the front is interesting, and the wooden nickel certificates don’t really show counter-fading going on. It’s almost as if the 3-coin paper holder was stored separately from the rest.”
I thought exactly the same thing. I’ll have to inspect the paper for damage/wear. I’ve wondered: if the coin/holder had stayed in the envelope, would it have been as “toned”? It seems likely that the coin/holder was stored in an uncontrolled temperature/humidity environment like an attic or a basement.
But, I defer to the experts on this matter.
100%…
Maybe the colorful Nickel Certs could’ve toned them to a rainbow beauty, depending? Yes, moisture looks like it sneaked its way near the coin surface.
I defer as well.
Now that, Rick, is a truly unique, even esoteric assemblage of numismatica (and if the last isn’t a word it sure as heck ought to be)!