Guest Article: A ‘Modern Makeover’ for Coin Enthusiasts — New Edition of 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins Unveiled

With captivating full-color photographs, insightful narratives and expert analysis, 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins continues to be a definitive resource for numismatists of all levels. From humble Lincoln cents to great rarities to costly platinum bullion issues, the new edition demonstrates why the modern era is the most dynamic in all of numismatics, incorporating recent trends, updated values and the latest additions to the U.S. Mint’s innovative coinage.

“Our goal with the fifth edition was to deliver a fresh perspective while maintaining the integrity of what makes this book a collector’s favorite,” said co-author Scott Schechter. “It reflects the evolution of the market, such as new directions on the part of the United States Mint, volatility among commemoratives, and the waxing and waning popularity of various error coins.

This edition features iconic modern coins such as the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof (No. 1), the 1969-S, the 1976 No S Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Proof (No. 3), the 1964 Special Mint Set (No. 6), the 2020 $50 Gold American Eagle V75 Privy Mark Proof (No. 17), the American Silver Eagle series, and the groundbreaking innovations of the U.S. Mint’s 21st-century commemoratives.

Every coin is ranked and discussed in detail, with historical context, scholarship, and analysis provided by Schechter and Garrett, and for the first time updated market values using industry standard Greysheet®-based pricing and Greysheet Catalog Identification (GSID℠) numbers that identify and link a coin across the entire family of Whitman Brands products.

Coins listed in The 100 Greatest US Modern Coins by Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett can receive a special label that identifies their rank in the book. Similarly, coins listed in the Top 50 Modern Coins by Eric Jordan and John Maben are eligible for an attractive NGC certification label.

Registry sets for the 100 Greatest/Top 50 coins are also available on the NGC Registry.

Rigorous research and careful voting have led to widespread changes in the rankings over the fourth edition, with many new and some surprising additions. Fewer than one-fourth of all coins held their rank. Ten items are all-new, nine from the previous list dropped off, and two former entries were merged. Sixty-seven items changed rank, most of them by at least two places, but seven moved by ten or more places. Exciting Mint programs are represented among the new list items, along with fresh error-coin discoveries and two commemoratives that hold the record for the lowest mintage for any commemorative coin of their denomination and format.

Top 10 List

1. 1975, No S, Roosevelt Dime, Proof
2. 1969-S, Doubled Die Obverse, Lincoln Cent
3. 1976, No S, Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar, Proof
4. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter Mule
5. 1995-W $1 American Silver Eagle, Proof
6. 1964 Special Mint Set
7. 2009 (MMIX) Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
8. 1968, No S, Roosevelt Dime, Proof
9. 2007-W American Platinum Eagle, Proof, “Frosted FREEDOM” Variety
10. 1990, No S, Lincoln Cent, Proof

The new edition is crisply rounded out by all-new introductory material, including a Foreword by David Ryder, the 34th and 39th Director of the U.S. Mint; Publisher’s Preface by John Feigenbaum, CEO and President of Whitman Brands; and Modern-Coin Grading Essentials by Mark Salzberg, Co-Founder and former Chairman of the Certified Collectibles Group.

“This edition captures the artistry, ingenuity and cultural significance of modern U.S. coinage,” said Feigenbaum. “Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins is an essential addition to your library. Schechter and Garrett have truly outdone themselves."

Published by Whitman®, the most trusted name in numismatic literature, both hardcover formats can be purchased through Whitman.com, Whitman's eBay Store, Amazon and Walmart.com, and bookstores, hobby shops and other retailers nationwide.

This reimagined edition of 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins is not just a price guide or a fancy picture book. It's a work of art that takes the reader to a hundred different points in recent American history and a fascinating introduction to the hobby of collecting U.S. coins.

For more information, visit whitman.com.

Coming Soon

• 100 Greatest World Paper Currency, 1st Edition (Summer 2025)
• 100 Greatest United States Paper Currency, 2nd Edition (Fall 2025)

About the Authors

Scott Schechter is a leading authority on modern coin grading and authentication, serving as a senior executive at Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Jeff Garrett, President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, Inc. and senior editor of the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins), is a renowned coin dealer, author and expert with decades of experience in the numismatic industry.

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