CDN Publishing Acquires Whitman Publishing

Above, Whitman's 2024 Red Book. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not too long ago, I posted about getting a 2024 copy (hardbound) of Whitman Publishing's A Guide Book of United States Coins (known as the Red Book). It is a good guide for buyers of coins. The only problem I had with it was that the book's binding was not properly stitched or glued onto the pages. A friend and I had to glue it.

Well, it has just been announced that Whitman Publishing has been acquired by CDN Publishing.

From Coin World:

CDN Publishing LLC, a prominent numismatic data company that publishes the wholesale-pricing Greysheet and other resources, has acquired Whitman Publishing, the leading firm in numismatic book-publishing.

Included in the acquisition are Whitman brands including H.E. Harris & Co. (stamps), Cowens (supplies), and the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Expo.

The deal was inked at Anderson Press headquarters in Florence, Alabama, on Oct. 31. Management and staffing of both companies will remain in place, with main offices in Alabama and Virginia.

Maybe the new parent company will do a better job on manufacturing the books.

To read more, go here.

Whitman's Guide To Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars Released

Above, Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last January, I had a strongbox that had been locked (no key) for over 23 years opened by locksmith in Gallup. Before it was opened, I had no idea what was inside.

Inside, among other things (some just plain junk), were 16 Franklin Half Dollars, 20 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars (in a coin capsule and they look in either Uncirculated (U) or Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition) and one Walking Liberty Half Dollar. As I said at the time, I made out better than Geraldo Rivera when he opened Al Capone's vault.

Last month, Whitman Publishing has released a new Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollar guide book. 

According to Coin World:

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first minting of the Franklin half dollar, Whitman Publishing offers an updated new edition of A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars. The 248-page fourth edition, written by professional numismatist Rick Tomaska, is available online and from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.

The Franklin half dollar (minted from 1948 through 1963) and the Kennedy half dollar (minted from 1964 to date) are two of the most popular series in modern U.S. coinage.

“Whether you’re a collector spending $50 a month or an investor with a budget of $50,000, there are challenges and rewards to enjoy with these historic coins,” says author Rick Tomaska.

In addition to sharing behind-the-scenes knowledge of the retail and auction markets, Tomaska gives the history of the coins’ designs, production, and other technical and cultural aspects. He explores transitions in Mint craftsmanship and reveals why Franklin and Kennedy half dollars represent the end of an era.

The book looks like it might be worth getting. Just hope its binding is better than their Red Book's I received the other day.

To read more, go here. 

Shoddy Binding On 2024 Whitman Coins Red Book

Above, the 2024 Red Book. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 2024 A Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book) by Whitman Publishing, LLC arrived in today's mail.

I hadn't purchased one since the 1976 Bicentennial Edition.

Well, I have to say I am very disappointed in it without even reading about any coins. 

This review I posted at Amazon explains it all:

The guide book arrived, but the spine of the book was not bound onto the pages. It appeared that no glue or stitching was used on the binding. Not what one would expect for a new hardbound book. Very disappointing.

Above, after gluing the cover onto the spine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I gave it two stars because of this. After posting my review, I noticed that other purchasers had similar problems with their book purchases.

They also pointed out whom they feel is the culprit: China. The book was made in China.

Above, "Printed In China", that should tell you something. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Larry Lucier (who was with me when I opened the shipping box) and I glued the cover onto the spine. We shouldn't have had to do this. At least the book is usable now.

Whitman Publishing had better find a book company to make their books in the U.S.

I sent Whitman a complaint message.