Whitman Acquires Rights to Influential Numismatic Titles from the Friedbergs

Whitman®, a leading publisher of numismatic literature, is proud to announce the acquisition of worldwide intellectual property rights to several iconic coin and currency reference works authored by renowned experts Art and Ira Friedberg. This acquisition includes globally recognized titles such as Gold Coins of the World and Paper Money of the United States, along with the universally respected Friedberg Numbering System™, the standard for cataloging, describing, buying, and selling gold coins and U.S. currency.

These enduring references are celebrated for their scholarly accuracy, depth, and practical value to collectors and researchers. Gold Coins of the World is an indispensable guide for exploring gold coinage from ancient to modern times, while Paper Money of the United States, widely regarded as the definitive currency price guide, has been a cornerstone of U.S. paper money valuation and study for over seven decades.

“Art and Ira Friedberg are synonymous with excellence in numismatic scholarship,” said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. “Their works have set the industry standard, and we’re honored to carry forward their legacy by making these titles even more accessible to collectors and researchers worldwide.”

The acquisition also includes other notable works such as So-Called Dollars by Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen and America’s Foreign Coins and Coins of the British World by Robert Friedberg. Additionally, Whitman will distribute titles previously published by the Coin & Currency Institute, including:

• A Collector's Guide to Postage & Fractional Currency
• Complete Catalog of Large Size Star Notes:1910–1929
• Early Dated Coins of Europe:1234–1500
• The Complete Book of World War II USA POW & Internment Camp Chits
• The Investor's Guide to United States Coins
• United States Paper Money Errors

This acquisition strengthens Whitman’s commitment to delivering the most comprehensive and trusted resources in numismatics. Future editions of these works will be updated under Whitman’s stewardship to reflect the latest research, trends, and pricing data.

“The Friedberg family has long been a pillar of numismatic education and research,” Feigenbaum added. “It’s a natural fit. With this acquisition, we’re ensuring these essential guides will continue to serve collectors for generations to come.”

Art and Ira Friedberg’s longstanding relationship with Whitman includes authorship of popular titles like Coins of the Bible, Modern World Coins: 1850–1964, and A Guide Book of United States Paper Money (part of the Red Book Series™), which has already sold over 8,000 copies since its summer 2024 release.

“Once we decided to sell, there was no doubt who we would entrust these titles to,” said Art Friedberg. “Whitman is the leading authority in numismatic reference books and price guides, and we’re confident they will uphold and enhance the legacy of these works.”

Whitman has incorporated these titles into its distinguished catalog and ONIX 3.1 feed, making them available through its established retail network and wholesale channels. Current inventory can be purchased from Whitman.com, Whitman's Ebay Store, Amazon, and Walmart.com, and bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide.

For wholesale information and pricing, contact Dawn Burbank at dawn.burbank@whitman.com or (256) 246-1131.

About the Friedbergs

Arthur and Ira Friedberg have been professional numismatists for over 30 years, leading their family firm, Coin & Currency Institute. The firm is a founding member of the prestigious International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN). Arthur made history in 2001 when he became the first American elected as president of the IAPN in its 50-year history. He now serves as its Honorary President.

Both brothers joined the firm after college and have co-authored numerous celebrated numismatic references, including Gold Coins of the World (10th edition) and Paper Money of the United States (23rd edition). Their work on Appraising and Selling Your Coins has sold over a quarter-million copies. They have also edited R.S. Yeoman’s classics, Modern World Coins and Current Coins of the World, and contributed to the Standard Catalog of World Coins.

Arthur Friedberg, a life member of the American Numismatic Association and member of the Professional Numismatists Guild since 1977, has consulted for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and testified before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on commemorative coins. His articles have been published widely, and he serves as the paper-money columnist for Coin World.

The Friedbergs’ contributions have earned numerous accolades, including the Medal of Merit from the American Numismatic Association (1992), the Prix d’Honneur from the IAPN (1993), the Heath Literary Award (1994), and the Swiss Vrenelli Prize (1999) for outstanding contributions to numismatics.