Shake-up At The Top: All-new 100 Greatest U.S. Coins Rankings Revealed

Whitman® has released its highly anticipated sixth edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins, offering readers an updated, personal guided tour through the legends of America’s numismatic history. The revised rankings feature an exciting mix of legendary rarities and accessible collector favorites, from the coveted 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the iconic 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.”

With a modernized layout designed by Creative Director Matt Jeffirs and Graphic Designer Thinh Bui, the sixth edition combines elegance with depth. It includes a Foreword by William R. Anderson, an expanded Top 250 U.S. Coin Auction Prices Realized appendix, updated market values based on Greysheet pricing, the addition of Greysheet Identification (GSID^SM) numbers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that illuminate why these coins represent the pinnacle of U.S. coinage.

Author Jeff Garrett expressed his enthusiasm, 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), esteemed leaders in the numismatic community. They voted on a curated list of coins, with the option to nominate additional candidates. The final rankings reflect a weighted scoring system, ensuring a balance of historical significance, rarity, and collector appeal.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, now crowned the nation’s greatest coin, exemplifies the intrigue of U.S. coinage. Its story includes being spirited out of the Mint, owned by royalty, confiscated by the Secret Service, the subject of a decade-long legal battle, and even featured on Pawn Stars. Now, it graces the cover of this milestone edition.

New Look, New Sizes

The award-winning 100 Greatest series expands its versatility with new hardcover formats—available in both standard (10” x 12”) and compact (6” x 9”) sizes to suit collector preferences. Dawn Burbank, Vice President of Sales and Distribution, shared, “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, and Walmart.com, and 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 authored several books, including the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795–1933. Among his many accolades, Garrett is the recipient of 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 reimagined edition is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the art, history, and allure of U.S. coins. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the 100 Greatest United States Coins is a must-have addition to your library.