Whitman Unveils Redesigned 2026 Red Book, Launching April 8, 2025
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″x9″ 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 (GSID SM) 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 to the 2026 Red Book
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 G4 to MS65RD.
- 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 and 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″x9″ 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, click on the link to whitman.com above.
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This sounds like a really valuable resource for both seasoned numismatists and those just beginning their coin collecting journey. The updates, especially the expanded Private and Territorial Gold section, seem like a significant improvement.
The emphasis on user experience with the redesign is a smart move. A well-organized guide can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of coin collecting.
It’s good to see Whitman embracing multiple platforms like podcasts and online resources to engage the collecting community. This multifaceted approach should help keep the hobby vibrant and accessible.
The inclusion of information about misinformation is particularly relevant in today’s digital age. It’s crucial for collectors to have reliable resources to combat false information.
The variety of formats offered caters to different preferences and needs, making the Red Book accessible to a wider audience. The large print option is a thoughtful addition for collectors with visual impairments.