If you're only going to purchase one book about collecting U.S. paper currency - this is the book I would recommend. Paper Money of the United States is acknowledged as the standard reference of American Currency with the most comprehensive and recognized guide on the subject. It's worth noting that this book is not published annually and the price guide may not be reflective of the current market. This book has been published every 3-4 years since 1953.
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The Whitman Encyclopedia of U.S. Paper Money is the second book I would recommend for all the same reasons as Paper Money of the United States with additional information that includes historical context, estimated notes remaining in population (as of 2009), all variations of each bank note including the face and back and more. It is a substantial book in content as well as physical size and weight. I highly recommend this book.
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The United States Paper Money Red Book Series contains very similar information to U.S. Paper Currency. They are both authored by Arthur L and Ira S. Friedberg. United States Paper Money is not quite an abridged version but it contains less information the price guide is limited to fewer grades. It is published annually so the pricing will differ from the U.S. Paper Currency book. It is organized differently in that the notes are by denomination rather than type.
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Paper Money of the United States 23rd EditionArthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg
Whitman Encyclopedia of U.S. Paper MoneyQ. David Bowers
United States Paper Money 9th EditionArthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg
Another book that has very similar information as the Paper Money of the United States book & United States Paper Money Book. It is organized identically to Paper Money of the United States in that notes are grouped in types rather than by denomination.
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The 7th edition of The Comprehensive Catalog of U.S. Paper Money is one of the most thorough and informative paper money references. Friedberg numbers are used for large size and fractional notes.. I have this book and I'm glad I do. Many times this is the only place that I have found detailed information.
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The "Bible" for U.S. Small size note collectors. Even though this book has been out of print for 15 years it still has the best information of modern paper money. But the price is up there for the last edition (10th). You can get the 9th Edition for 50% less. Notes end at the 2006/2009 Series
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United States Currency 9th EditionKenneth Bressett
The Comprehensive Catalog of U.S. Paper MoneyGene Hessler & Carlson Chambliss
Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money:1928 to Date 10th EditionJohn Schwartz & John Lindquist
The 100 Greatest American Currency Notes book is a beautiful, large book ranking the top all-time U.S. Banknotes according to the authors. 70-80% of the notes are most likely unobtainable to the average collector but there are many listed that are easily available to purchase at all price levels. Each note has a detailed write up providing the history and provenance of the banknotes. I highly recommend.
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From Whitman: "Building on the success of the original release in 2006, this highly anticipated and fully updated edition presents a fresh ranking of the most historic, rare, intriguing, and visually striking notes ever issued by the United States. Expanded historical overview and marketplace insights. Industry-standard Friedberg Numbering System and estimated population"
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A comprehensive 510-page resource provides a detailed listing of the notes issued by all 12,635 national banks. The book includes extensive census data on surviving notes. Very helpful in identifying notes and what was issued from a particular bank. There is a learning curve to understanding how the information is presented. Valuations are worthless. Original books have a companion CD-ROM
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100 Greatest American Currency NotesQ. David Bowers and David M. Sundman
100 Greatest American Currency Notes 2nd EditionArthur Friedberg & Dustin Johnston
National Bank Notes Sixth EditionDon C. Kelly
This book is a foundational guide to obsolete banknotes and offers collectors and historians specific insights into the economic forces behind these artifacts. The book details the history of obsoletes issued by various state banks, merchants, and municipalities before a national monetary system was established. Note design, printing technology, and monetary policy through the Civil War era is also discussed in detail.
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This is the introductory book for the 7 volume Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money Volumes 2-8. Rather than cataloging specific regional issues, this 280-page hardcover establishes the historical context of state-chartered bank notes printed between 1782 and 1866. The text covers the mechanics of early banking, printing processes, and the prominent engravers of the era. Similar book to Obsolete Paper Money Issued by Banks in the United States 1782-1866.
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Detailed, state-by-state catalogs of Obsolete currency. These books are divided by geographic region, covering areas like New England, the South Atlantic, and the Midwest. They catalog the specific paper notes issued by state banks, merchants, and municipalities between 1782 and 1866. Organized alphabetically by town and then by bank, each volume provides localized banking histories, full-color illustrations, rarity ratings, and market valuations, functioning as a structured inventory for numismatic research.
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Obsolete Paper MoneyIssued by Banks in the United States 1782-1866Q. David Bowers
Whitman Encyclopedia ofObsolete Paper Money Volume 1Q. David Bowers
Whitman Encyclopedia of
Obsolete Paper Money Volumes 2-8Q. David Bowers
The four-volume set is a comprehensive reference for Obsolete Banknote era that covers 38 states and Washington DC. Provides extensive historical documentation for identifying specific regional and local issues remains highly relevant. Covers 38 States and only catalogs notes issued by commercial state banks excluding private scrip and notes issued by railroads, merchants, and municipal governments.
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I'm using this book as an example of an individual U.S. State guide. Would recommend researching to see if your home state has a book published. A comprehensive guide to Minnesota's paper money from its territorial days through the Great Depression. The book meticulously catalogs the diverse array of obsolete bank notes, as well as municipal and merchant scrip. Critical historical context is provided that explores Minnesota's Free Banking era and the rise and fall of local institutions.
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A 624-page reference book for U.S. obsolete currency collectors. It serves as a single-volume for the out-of-print Haxby catalogs. The text is organized alphabetically by state and includes issues from banks, merchants, and municipalities, as well as Confederate States and Hawaiian notes. It features color illustrations in a three-column layout. Does not contain all notes and is more of a catalog list with very breif description and image but helps identify notes.
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Standard Catalog ofUnited States Obsolete Notes 1782-1866James B, Haxby
A History & Catalog ofMinnesota Obsolete Bank Notes & ScripR. Shawn Hewitt
Obsolete Paper MoneyA Guide With PricesDon Kelly
This is an obsolete banknote coffee table picture book at its best. The book breaks down vignette engravings into 10 topical categories and provides the history and context that went into these works of art. The second half of the book are all the banknotes of the first category chapters - amazing photography.. Stunning book that you will actually stay awake when reading.
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Very similar to the book Pictures from a Distant Country Seeing America Through Old Paper Money. Goes into a bit deeper detail and not as many images. The book includes original works by American artists. Every medium is represented, from beautiful watercolor drawings to large allegorical oil paintings, each paired with the banknotes and securities on which the resulting engravings appeared.
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Pictures from a Distant Country
Seeing America Through Old Paper Money
Richard Doty
Images of Value The Artwork Behind
US Security Engraving 1830s-1980s
Mark B. Tomasko
World War II RememberedA Numismatic StudyC. Frederick Schwan & Joseph E. Boling
The standard reference for all coins, currency and monetary instruments issued by the Axis and Allied nations during World War II. Includes detailed anecdotal and historical information on currency and more that was used. This is an all in one book for WW II banknote collectors. Scarce.
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A 200-page reference guide focuses fractional paper notes issued during and after the Civil War in response to widespread coin hoarding. The book utilizes the standard Friedberg numbering system and provides detailed cataloging. It features hundreds of full-color photographs, rarity guides for individual notes.
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Even though I don't have the book - arguably it is the best Confederate paper money book. A 574-page, comprehensive reference guide designed as a portable catalog, it covers all 70 regular Confederate note types, significant varieties, contemporary counterfeits, and CSA bonds. The book offers deep historical context, extensive census data, and updated rarity ratings. A major feature of this edition is its thorough grading analysis, which bridges traditional collector-oriented grading with modern third-party standards.
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A definitive reference for colonial, continental, and 18th-century state paper currency. This completely reformatted edition features newly discovered historical data and fully revised market valuations updated by pricing. It is guide catalogs American paper money from 1686 through 1800, encompassing issues from the English, French, and Spanish colonies, alongside individual states and private banks.
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A Collector's Guide to Postage& Fractional Currency 2nd EditionRobert J. Kravitz
Collecting ConfederatePaper Money Field Edition 2014Pierre Fricke
The Early Paper Moneyof Amercia 2023 EditionEric P. Newman
A good companion to other standard error guides, offering unique depth on specific error types not always covered elsewhere. The book features over 600 full-color sample images to assist in identification and provides market pricing valuations across three collectible grades. It is widely regarded as an essential tool for enthusiasts seeking to properly identify and value misprinted or miscut banknotes..
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A straightforward, beginner-friendly guide that teaches readers how to identify and profit from printing mistakes in everyday U.S. paper currency. The book explains how some banknotes can hold collector value due to government printing errors or unique serial number arrangements. Designed for those with no prior numismatic experience, it features dozens of photographs to help readers easily spot these anomalies. I have never seen this book (I don't collect errors or fancy serial numbers), it have been recommended to me, I don't know if images are color.
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US Error Note Encyclopedia 2nd EditionStephen M. Sullivan
Paper Money Errors and AnomaliesSam Sommer
2022 The Green Guide of Fancy Serial Numbers A Beginners GuideRB Edgar & Alan B. Moss
A detailed reference manual for collectors researching unique (fancy) serial number patterns on U.S. paper currency. Catalogs over 500 types and examples of fancy serials, including radars, repeaters, binaries, ladders, and star replacement notes. It is designed to help collectors identify specific combinations, understand the printing process, and evaluate market rarity. Featuring over 250 images, it provides straightforward, objective information for navigating fancy serial numbers.
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The book details the first 100 years of U.S. currency and security printing. The 200-page book traces the Bureau's evolution from cutting fractional currency to pioneering new press operations and plate creation techniques. It serves as a technical reference for numismatists studying the mechanics of government currency production. I realize this is really a niche book but it has some great history and technical information and was published by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing for their 100 year anniversary. (Scarce)
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If you LOVE history and currency you have to have this book. The pictorial reference book showcases rare large-size U.S. paper money from the authors' private collection. The book focuses on notes issued between 1861 and 1929, with banknote images in high-resolution, full color. Rather than functioning as a standard pricing catalog, the book ties these numismatic artifacts directly to the historical events and prominent figures depicted in their vignettes. It serves as a strong visual resource for collectors studying the artistry and historical context of classic U.S. currency design.
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A primary reference for collectors of Canadian currency. This guide catalogs issues from all levels of government, spanning from French Regime card money and War of 1812 Army Bills to modern Bank of Canada polymer notes. This book is the Canadian equivalent to the Friedberg book Paper Money of the United States and widely used as a standard reference, updated note census data for evaluating scarcity, and current market valuations across up to eight grades. It covers 1930s Depression scrip and colonial issues, making it a comprehensive resource.
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Bureau of Engraving And Printing: 100 YearsBureau of Engraving And Printing
American History As Seen Through CurrencyJoanne C. Dauer & Edward A. Dauer
Canadian Government Paper Money 36th EditionJ. Rutkowski, Editor
Originally created by Albert Pick and published by Krause Publications, the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money: General Issues 1368-1960 is a primary reference guide for historical banknote collectors. This volume catalogs over six centuries of government-issued currency from around the world, starting with 14th-century Chinese Ming Dynasty notes and ending in 1960. Mulitple editions but you really only need to get one of the last three editions because not much was added between the 14th (2012) and the 16th editions.
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massive 1,264-page volume catalogs circulating paper money issued worldwide since 1961, providing current market valuations for over 22,000 note varieties across two condition grades. Featuring more than 14,000 illustrations, it is an essential tool for identifying and appraising modern currency. Compiled with input from an international network of over 80 numismatic experts, it continues the foundational "Pick numbering" system. There are many editions but you really want the last one - the 25th - because it is no longer in print.
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Standard Catalog of World Paper MoneyGeneral Issues • 1368-1960, 16th EditionTracy L. Schmidt, Editor
Standard Catalog of World Paper Money
Modern Issues • 1961-Present, 25th Edition
Tracy L. Schmidt, Editor
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