This is the new definitive reference on colonial and early American coins and tokens,352 pages • Hardcover • 8.5 x 11 inches • Full color • Illustrated with hundreds of detailed photographs

This expanded 2nd edition of Making the Grade now includes the 50 most widely collected US coins. Each coin series listed features high quality, full-color, detailed photos with grade descriptions and pinpoint areas to inspect. Design high points are highlighted to indicate areas of wear. Visual impairment severity levels are identified by color maps. Lay-flat binding means pages will lie flat and stand up to the rigors of everyday use.

The Professional Edition is a new and enlarged version of a hobby classic, the “Red Book.” Its expanded content helps intermediate and advanced collectors and coin dealers build their collections and make smart purchases and sales.

The book is physically larger than the regular-edition Red Book (almost 50% larger, at 8.5 x 11 inches), and spiralbound for convenient reference.

Expanded features of the Professional Edition include:

Expert guidance on striking and sharpness characteristics for each coin type-valuable information when inspecting coins for purchase.
Insight on availability and condition rarity for each type.
Detailed grading instructions, including for Mint State and Proof coins.
Certified population summaries, for every date and mint mark including the number certified, the average grade, and the percent in Mint State.
Expanded valuations, expanded grades for each date, including multiple Mint State and Proof levels, plus Full Bands, Full Bell Lines, Cameo/Deep Cameo, and other specialized designations.
Auction records for every coin listed.
Additional die varieties in every denomination, with close-up photographs.
Informative chart notes that expand on the history, characteristics, and market values of important coins.
Detailed research and market information on early (pre-1858) Proof coinage, including gold.
High-quality, full-color photographs of both circulation-strike and Proof coins, for every type.
Enlargements of key focal points and varieties, many more than in the regular edition.

The Guide Book of United States Coins, Professional Edition, is the perfect single-source numismatic reference. Investors, intermediate and advanced collectors, dealers, and auctioneers will benefit from its immense wealth of real-world market information on every coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint. Tens of thousands of copies will be printed and sold, and we predict it will take its place as a popular annual companion to the regular edition. Federal Issues: Half Cents through Double Eagles, Plus Classic Commemoratives and Proof Mint Sets.
Softcover, Full Color, 8.5 x 11 inches, Spiralbound, 384 Pages.

Do you know…who the models were for the Indian Head nickel?, why it's called the "Orphan Annie" dime?, which foreign ruler was the first to appear on a U.S. coin?

The answers to these and many more stories, myths and mysteries of coin history are featured in the exciting book, Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins. This compilation of intriguing tales is based some on fact and some on fiction, but either way the stories make for interesting reading.

In addition to 23 chapters of intriguing stories, you'll also discover historical numismatic notes and tales related to the topics covered in each chapter.