Jeff Garrett: The Importance of a Numismatic Library

Posted on 3/5/2026

Coin books like Mega Red X are a vital resource for beginners and experts alike.

One of the most ambitious numismatic projects that I am involved with is the recently published A Guide Book of United States Coins - Mega Red X. The Whitman team has spent countless hours assembling this amazing publication. The book is nearly 1,100 pages of numismatic information and is one of the best bargains in the hobby at only $69 retail per copy. The following information is from the Whitman website:


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The Ultimate US Coin Catalog Returns — More Coins, More Pricing, More Insights!

Mega Red: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe Tenth Edition is back in a bold, fully expanded tenth edition — bringing collectors and dealers the most comprehensive, up-to-date U.S. coin catalog available. As the deluxe, supersized companion to the Official Red Book®, this new Mega Red delivers more coins, more varieties, far more pricing coverage and deeper research than the regular edition, including market analysis, engaging essays and an in-depth special feature on 130+ years of $5 Half Eagle gold coins (1795–1929).

Building on the scholarship of R.S. Yeoman, Q. David Bowers and Kenneth Bressett, and further strengthened by John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett, Mega Red X spans the full breadth of American coinage — from colonial issues and early federal series through classic gold and silver, modern mint programs, bullion, commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, Territorial gold, private and Civil War tokens, Puerto Rican, Philippine and Hawaiian issues, patterns, errors, key varieties and more.

Now featuring market values from the team at Greysheet®, a collector-friendly layout, and contributions from more than 90 industry experts, Mega Red X packs over 1,000 pages of price charts, high-resolution images, special essays and the latest numismatic research.


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Inside you’ll find:

More than 18,000 coins, tokens, medals, sets and related collectibles
Over 100,000 values in up to 13 collectible grades and over 1,100 auction records
Thousands of full-color images
CPG® Retail pricing and GSID numbers that link seamlessly to the Greysheet catalog
Expanded study of $5 Half Eagle gold coins
Updated US Mint data and the latest numismatic discoveries
Featured chapters including the “History of Coins in America, 1607 to Date,” "2026 Market Report" by Jeff Garrett and “Chinese Counterfeits” by Beth Deisher
Increased coverage of patterns, significant varieties, misstrikes and error coins
Cross-references to established variety systems (Cohen, Sheldon, Newcomb, Logan & McCloskey, Overton, VAM, Fivaz-Stanton and more)
Special essays on David W. Rittenhouse and U.S. Semiquincentennial coinage
And much more!

Buy the book before the coin

The best piece of advice ever given in numismatics is to "buy the book before the coin." The legendary numismatist Q. David Bowers is credited with coining the phrase. The logic seems simple: the more you know about something, the better your decisions will be when buying. There is actually more to it than that. By exploring the series you have become interested in, your enjoyment of the hobby will be greatly enhanced. Facts and numbers pale in comparison to the rich history that accompanies many rare coins.


Images of a 1792 Half Disme from the NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

As an example, I have always loved the 1792 Half Disme. The coins are one of the first to ever be struck for the United States and are very rare. Several years ago, research surfaced that proves Thomas Jefferson purchased the first 1,500 coins and spent them on his way home to Monticello. Now I really love these little jewels!

Many young collectors who have been raised in a digital world find most of what they need on their personal electronic devices. I envy these whiz kids who can research the latest pop information, auction records and catalog prices on their phones in a flash. They might be able to figure out if a coin is a good deal, but they have missed much of the romance numismatics has to offer.

Rare coins are extremely fascinating, but in my opinion, you need books to really explore their background. Today’s collectors are extremely lucky, as there have been hundreds of books published in recent years about rare coins. There is a specialty book on almost every facet of numismatics. Whitman alone has published hundreds of titles in the last two decades and they have many more on the docket.


Bookshelves at Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries Click image to enlarge.

Over the last 40 years, I have built a numismatic library that comprises hundreds, if not thousands, of titles. It has been my policy to buy an example of about every US numismatic book published. As a professional numismatist, I would never want to miss an opportunity because I did not have the correct information. One book can save or make you thousands of dollars, if used correctly.

Of course, most collectors or dealers cannot buy every book about every subject that has been published. The cost would be substantial, and the average person would never need most of them. Assembling the correct numismatic library for your level of engagement in the hobby is very important. If you only collect Morgan Silver Dollars, your library will look much different from the one of someone who collects ancient coins.

How to start your own numismatic library


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The first book most collectors purchase is the Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book). This classic book has been nicknamed the “numismatic bible” for very good reasons. The book contains an amazing amount of numismatic information for beginners and experts alike. It is considered the standard reference for mintage figures (which Whitman takes very seriously).

The book is usually within arm’s reach of every serious collector or dealer in the US. The book has been published since 1946 and is one of the bestselling reference books of all time. For the last several years, I have been the Senior Editor, and our team is very proud of the accuracy of the information offered. The 2027 edition will be amazing and should be shipping in late spring.

Another book that I would recommend for beginners or advanced collectors is my 100 Greatest United States Coins. The book gives readers an understanding of why some rare coins are considered great. It has little to do with rarity or condition but is usually based on the great stories that are attached to them.

The hobby of numismatics is always evolving, and every collector should be aware of current events. Collectors should subscribe to Greysheet and other CDN brands of numismatic publications, Coin World and Numismatic News. Also, a membership in the American Numismatic Association will provide you a monthly copy of The Numismatist, which is the flagship publication of the organization. The Numismatist is an amazing publication and has been published for more than 125 years. Past copies of The Numismatist are available at money.org for members. The ANA also has the largest lending numismatic library in the world for members.

The purpose of this article is not to encourage you to buy every book written by Jeff Garrett. Below is a list of books I would recommend based on your area of interest. It is impossible to list every wonderful book written about rare coins, but this list will get you started. These books are the ones that I reach for the most often. Also, as I have mentioned many times, consult with experts in the area of the market you have chosen and ask for advice on other books to purchase.

Jeff Garrett: The Importance of a Numismatic Library

Buy the book before the coin

How to start your own numismatic library

Recommended reading

Colonial Coinage

Early Copper Coins

Small Cents

Two Cents and Three Cents

Nickels

Bust Coinage

Liberty Seated Coinage

Morgan Silver Dollars

Gold Coins

Pattern Coins

Territorial Coinage

Proof Coinage

Grading

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