The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has now secured the No. 1 position, surpassing the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar to become the nation’s top coin in the latest sixth edition of Whitman’s popular 100 Greatest United States Coins.
Virginia Beach, Virginia— Whitman® has unveiled its eagerly awaited sixth edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins, presenting readers with an updated and personal exploration of America’s numismatic legends. The updated rankings feature a thrilling blend of legendary rarities and popular collector favorites, ranging from the rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the well-known 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent.
“This book is a remarkable and fascinating introduction to the hobby of collecting U.S. coins,” said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. “As you flip through the pages, we hope you’ll be inspired by the beauty and stories behind these coins and pass this passion on to future generations.”
A Modernized Look
The sixth edition, with a modern layout by Creative Director Matt Jeffirs and Graphic Designer Thinh Bui, merges elegance with detailed information. It includes a Foreword by William R. Anderson, an expanded appendix of the Top 250 U.S. Coin Auction Prices Realized, updated market values using Greysheet pricing, Greysheet Identification (GSIDSM) numbers, and behind-the-scenes stories that highlight why these coins are the pinnacle of U.S. coinage.
Author Jeff Garrett shared his excitement, saying, “Even after working on six editions of this book, I couldn’t wait to open the box when the new version arrived. The redesign gives it a fresh, modern look, and selecting the 100 greatest coins remains a challenging but rewarding task. We believe this list will resonate with collectors of all levels.”
What Makes a Coin Great?
The ranking process involved polling members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), respected leaders in the numismatic community. They voted on a curated list of coins, with the opportunity to suggest additional candidates. The final rankings reflect a weighted scoring system, balancing historical significance, rarity, and collector appeal.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, now crowned the nation’s greatest coin, exemplifies the allure of U.S. coinage. Its history includes being smuggled out of the Mint, owned by royalty, seized by the Secret Service, the subject of a decade-long legal battle, and even featured on Pawn Stars. It now graces the cover of this milestone edition.
New Formats and Sizes
The award-winning 100 Greatest series expands its accessibility with new hardcover formats – available in both standard (10″ x 12″) and compact (6″ x 9″) sizes. Dawn Burbank, Vice President of Sales and Distribution, commented, “We’re thrilled to offer these popular books in a smaller, more economical format for broader accessibility, while still maintaining the large-format version collectors love.”
Both formats can be purchased through Whitman.com, Whitman’s Ebay Store, Amazon, Walmart.com, as well as bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide.
Coming Soon in the 100 Greatest Series
- 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, President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, Inc., serves as senior editor of the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) and is a board member of the National Museum of American History. A former president of the American Numismatic Association and Professional Numismatists Guild, Garrett has written several books, including the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795–1933. He has received numerous accolades, including the 2003 PNG Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the 2015 PNG Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2024 NLG Clemy Award for his dedication to numismatics and exceptional writing.
This newly reimagined edition is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the art, history, and fascination of U.S. coins. Whether you’re an experienced collector or new to the hobby, the 100 Greatest United States Coins is a must-have addition to your library.
About Whitman Brands™
Following the 2023 merger of numismatic publishing giants CDN and Whitman, Whitman Brands combines the esteemed titles of Red Book, Blue Book, 100 Greatest, and Cherrypicker’s Guides, along with a broad array of folders, albums, and supplies that have long led the market, with the pricing and data-rich expertise of Greysheet, Greensheet, CPG, CDN Exchange, and The Banknote Book.
Whitman Brands provides comprehensive coverage of collectibles, literature, cataloging, and pricing, embracing the heritage of numismatics to enrich the lives of coin and paper-money enthusiasts. As North America’s leading producer of coin and currency shows, Whitman Expos and its three premier events in Baltimore further enhance the brand portfolio and extend the company’s national reach.
This rephrased article offers unique, 100% human-generated content while retaining the essential details and engaging narrative of the original.