The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has claimed the coveted No. 1 position in the latest edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins, surpassing the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar as the nation’s top coin. This new ranking appears in the freshly released sixth edition of Whitman’s renowned guide, offering collectors an updated journey through America’s rich numismatic history.
Whitman Releases Sixth Edition of 100 Greatest U.S. Coins
Whitman has unveiled the much-anticipated sixth edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins, offering readers a fresh and insightful look at the most legendary coins in U.S. history. The new rankings mix iconic rarities with beloved collector favorites, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent.
John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands, shared, “This book is a fascinating introduction to U.S. coin collecting. We hope readers are inspired by the beauty and rich stories of these coins and pass this passion on to future generations.”
New Layout and Design
With a redesigned layout, the sixth edition combines modern elegance with deep historical insight. Designed by Creative Director Matt Jeffirs and Graphic Designer Thinh Bui, the new edition features a Foreword by William R. Anderson, an expanded Top 250 U.S. Coin Auction Prices Realized appendix, updated market values based on Greysheet pricing, and the addition of Greysheet Identification (GSID™) numbers. These GSID numbers allow readers to track coins across Whitman Brands’ entire catalog. The edition also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes narratives about why these coins have reached such legendary status.
Author Jeff Garrett expressed his excitement, stating, “Even after six editions, opening the box with the new version still brings a thrill. The redesign gives it a fresh, modern look, and selecting the top 100 greatest coins is always a rewarding challenge. We believe this list will resonate with collectors at all levels.”
Selecting the Greatest Coins
The ranking process for this edition involved polling members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), as well as other respected figures in the numismatic community. The final rankings were determined using a weighted scoring system, considering factors like historical significance, rarity, and overall appeal to collectors.
The newly crowned No. 1 coin, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, tells an intriguing story of intrigue and drama—from being secretly removed from the U.S. Mint, to its ownership by royalty, its confiscation by the Secret Service, a decade-long legal battle, and its feature on the popular TV show Pawn Stars. This remarkable coin now graces the cover of this special edition.
New Formats and Sizes
For the first time, the 100 Greatest series offers two formats: a standard large hardcover (10″ x 12″) and a more compact edition (6″ x 9″) for collectors who prefer a smaller, more portable version. Both versions maintain the same high-quality content and design.
Dawn Burbank, Vice President of Sales and Distribution, explained, “We’re excited to offer these popular books in a more affordable, smaller format, broadening access while still providing the same beautiful layout collectors love.”
Both formats are available through Whitman’s website, eBay store, Amazon, Walmart, and various other retailers.
Future Releases in the 100 Greatest Series
Looking ahead, Whitman will continue expanding the 100 Greatest series, with upcoming titles such as:
- 100 Greatest United States Modern Coins, 5th Edition (January 2025)
- 100 Greatest United States Paper Currency, 2nd Edition (Spring 2025)
- 100 Greatest World Paper Currency, 1st Edition (Summer 2025)
About the Author
Jeff Garrett, a numismatic expert and President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, serves as the senior editor of the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins). He has been a key figure in the numismatic community, having held leadership positions in the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild. Garrett is also the recipient of multiple prestigious awards for his contributions to the field.
This reimagined edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins is more than just a book; it’s a rich exploration into the art, history, and appeal of U.S. coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this updated edition is an essential addition to any numismatic library.
Specifications
- Title: 100 Greatest U.S. Coins
- Author: Jeff Garrett
- ISBN: 9780794851552 (Hardcover), 9780794851385 (Softcover)
- Binding: Hardcover / Softcover
- Dimensions: 10″ x 12″ (Hardcover), 6″ x 9″ (Softcover)
- Pages: 140+ (Hardcover), 250+ (Softcover)
- Retail Price: $39.95 (Hardcover), $24.95 (Softcover)
Both versions are available at Whitman.com, Whitman’s eBay Store, Amazon, Walmart, and various other retailers.
About Whitman Brands™
Formed through the 2023 merger of CDN and Whitman, Whitman Brands combines iconic numismatic titles such as Red Book, Blue Book, 100 Greatest, and Cherrypicker’s Guides with the pricing expertise of Greysheet, Greensheet, CPG, and other leading resources. Whitman also hosts major coin and currency events through Whitman Expos, further expanding its reach within the numismatic community.
Whitman Brands remains dedicated to enriching the hobby of coin collecting and is committed to producing top-tier numismatic literature and tools for collectors worldwide.
