OK here is my story about the Red Book. With the 2006 version I found so many errors I sent a many, many itemed list to the publishers of Whitman. I was answered with a very nice response by
dennis.tucker@whitmanbooks.com You too can send your comments to that email address. He is one of the publishers of the Red Book. Also, phone 404-235-5346, fax 404-214-4390 or write to Dennis Tucker, Publisher, Whitman Publishing, LLC, 3101 Clairmont Road, Suite C, Atlanta, Ga. 30329
As I said so many errors I thought when they came out with the 2007 version almost a year in advance that it was to fix all the errors. Nothing doing. So I waited until the 2008 version and still fnot much corrected. So I just sent him two more such messages about all the errors and some suggestions and received some very nicely worded responses that indicated that most of my items were not to usefull. One of the many items was the missing info on prices, quantity minted of coins and other apparently missing information. This was answered by a list of other books I should buy with that info. I don't want a pile of books to cover what is missing in that one. Another item was about places where coins that show only proofs minted had prices for other grades. This was answered by possible circulated proofs but it is not mentioned in the book. Then there is the inconsistancy of grades. The book is full of G,F,EF, etc. These are not the present system of grading as explained on page 10. Not answered adaquately. Then there is the use of PF and Pf. I was told they are the same. I know that, but why the inconsistancy. Here is a funny one. Go to page 6. Note all items after Commemoratives for page numbers and then go to that page. Almost all are 2 pages off. Another funny one is page 334. Top of page states 1/4 oz gold and if you look carefully at the photo of the coin it states 1/2 oz gold.
Many other items mentioned and mostly answered very nicely but made to sound like if I didn't like the Red Book go buy something else. I was told the Red Book is basically a general information book and for specific documentation I should buy other books. That kind of ticked me off as this post sort of mentions.
If you have complaints about the Red Book send Dennis Tucker a note.
I never yet complained that this is now a 2008 book issued almost at the beginning of 2007. At this rate the 2010 book will be out by this Winter. Useless prices if written years in advance.
Posted 05/27/2007 10:05 pm
