Customer Reviews

A Guide Book of United States Coins 2002 (Guide Book of United States Coins (Paper))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a coin collector since I was 6 years old (1961). I'm not hard core like my brother, so I don't buy a Red Book every year, but I have a couple of them lying around the house. I still refer to them for mintage numbers and other technical info from time to time.

I've seen other coin guides and price lists, etc. and they all pale in comparison to the "Red Book".

Get this one. It's the best.

--George Stancliffe

The 2002 edition of the red book is so similar to the 2001 edition, even Amazon's computer seems too pool the reviews together. The casual collector probably should not invest in the 2002 edition if they have the 2001 or even 2000 edition. Regular collectors will want it simply for the updated mintage figures or price guides. I would encourage any new collector to pick up a copy, because it is an excellent reference to have handy.
The book continues the annual trend of replacing black and white photos with color (particularly in the gold coin section), to generally positive ends. Oddly, the 1797 plain edge half cent photo has vanished. A glaring omission is the absence photos of the 2000 state quarters, particularly given the fact that there are two blank pages set aside for future state quarters listings, and all the 2000 mintage figures are included. Since that the primary value of the redbook is as a reference, Bressett has overlooked an important addition that should have appeared. On a positive note, a very helpful open wreath image has been added for the 1849 gold dollar.
Some minor modifications and additions exist in the commemorative section, and a great photograph of some gold from the S.S. Central America has been added, which is very appropriate given the magnitude of the find.
The redbook continues its trend as a very handy reference, but it is difficult to justify the exclusion of five new coin designs, costing the 2002 edition a star.

A good guide to see what dealers will SELL you coins for. This is not what you will get if try to sell your coins.

The storyline is often hard to follow. Sometimes you feel that you are being deluged with facts that take away from the main plot. The author's excellent historical research, however, more than makes up for these shortcomings. The characters are described in minute detail, which helps to visualize the content. There is internal tension that builds to a crescendo in the Morgan chapter but unfortunately falls flat on its face in the Peace chapter. All is saved, however, by the appearance of a new exotic character named Sacagawea at the end of the book. All in all, I have to day that it is a rather enjoyable, if not dry read. I have found myself coming back and back to this book to re-read portions almost on a daily basis.