About
The Cherrypickers' Guide is a renowned multi-volume reference book series published by Whitman Publishing, the leading producer of numismatic books and supplies. It is specifically designed to help coin collectors identify rare die varieties—subtle differences in coin dies that create highly collectible and often valuable variants. The concept of 'cherrypicking' refers to finding these rare varieties in dealer bins or collections where they are priced as common coins, allowing savvy collectors to acquire them at below-market values. The guide covers a vast range of U.S. coin series, including Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Mercury dimes, Washington quarters, and more. Each entry includes detailed photographs, diagnostics, and population data to help collectors accurately identify specific varieties. The books are extensively researched and updated across editions to reflect newly discovered varieties and updated market valuations. Whitman Publishing supports the guides with a robust ecosystem of companion products including coin albums, folders, magnifiers, and other collecting supplies. The Cherrypickers' Guide is widely used by hobbyist collectors, professional numismatists, coin dealers, and investors looking to build high-value collections. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned collector, this series provides indispensable knowledge for maximizing the value and depth of your coin collection.
Key Features
- Rare Die Variety Identification: Detailed diagnostics and high-quality photographs to help collectors accurately identify rare die varieties and doubled dies across major U.S. coin series.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers a wide range of U.S. coin series including cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars across multiple volumes.
- Updated Editions: Regularly revised to include newly discovered varieties, updated population data, and current market valuations.
- Professional-Grade Reference: Used by hobbyists, dealers, and professional numismatists as the authoritative source for variety coin collecting.
- Part of Whitman's Ecosystem: Backed by Whitman Publishing's full suite of collecting supplies including albums, folders, magnifiers, and companion reference books.
Use Cases
- A coin collector browsing a dealer's inventory uses the guide to identify a doubled-die Lincoln cent being sold as a common coin, acquiring it at a fraction of its true value.
- A professional numismatist references the guide to authenticate and grade rare die varieties submitted for certification.
- A coin investor uses the guide to build a focused collection of rare variety coins with strong appreciation potential.
- A hobbyist collector organizes their existing collection and cross-references each coin against the guide to discover any unrecognized rare varieties.
- A coin dealer consults the guide to accurately price inventory and avoid unknowingly selling rare varieties below market value.
Pros
- Industry Gold Standard: Widely recognized as the most authoritative and thorough reference for U.S. coin die varieties, trusted by collectors and dealers globally.
- Helps Uncover Hidden Value: Empowers collectors to identify undervalued rare varieties and cherrypick coins at below-market prices, maximizing collection value.
- Detailed Visual Diagnostics: High-quality photographs and precise descriptions make variety identification accessible even for less experienced collectors.
- Regularly Updated: New editions incorporate the latest discoveries and market data, keeping the reference current and relevant.
Cons
- Physical Book Format: Available primarily as a physical book, which may be less convenient for on-the-go reference compared to a digital app or searchable database.
- Purchase Cost: Each volume must be purchased separately, which can add up for collectors needing coverage across multiple coin series.
- Requires Numismatic Knowledge: New collectors may find the terminology and diagnostic detail challenging without a foundational understanding of coin collecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cherrypickers' Guide?
The Cherrypickers' Guide is a multi-volume reference book series published by Whitman Publishing that helps coin collectors identify rare die varieties, doubled dies, and other numismatic anomalies that can significantly increase a coin's value.
What does 'cherrypicking' mean in coin collecting?
Cherrypicking refers to the practice of identifying coins with rare, valuable die varieties that are being sold as common coins—allowing knowledgeable collectors to purchase them at lower prices than their true market value.
Which coin series does the guide cover?
The guide covers a broad range of U.S. coin series including Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, Kennedy half dollars, and more across its multiple volumes.
Who publishes the Cherrypickers' Guide?
The Cherrypickers' Guide is published by Whitman Publishing, LLC, based in Florence, Alabama, which is the leading publisher of numismatic reference books, albums, and collecting supplies.
Is the Cherrypickers' Guide suitable for beginner coin collectors?
While the guide is thorough and professional-grade, it can be used by collectors at all levels. Beginners may benefit from pairing it with introductory numismatic resources to better understand the terminology and identification process.
