As a beginner coin collector, of course this seemed to be the "gold-standard" book to buy to let me know the value of my coins. But, I have quickly learned that the "Red Book" tends to over-value coins. Don't expect a dealer, or even other hobby collectors to offer you the prices quoted in the Red Book. I recommend that beginning collectors ALSO buy "THE Offical Blue Book, Handbook of United States Coins". This book will not give you the "retail" prices that the "Red Book" will, it will be closer to what dealers will actually offer you !!