Unpacking the High Prices of Cherrypickers Guides: My Numismatic Investigation

As a coin collector, I had to figure out why Cherrypickers Guides were commanding such crazy prices online. What I discovered was a fascinating mix of market quirks, publishing delays, and changing collector habits. It all started when I checked eBay’s sold listings and nearly choked on my coffee—prices were soaring way beyond the original $40 cover price. That got me digging into what was really happening.

What’s Fueling Those Crazy Prices?

From what I’ve seen, it mostly comes down to scarcity. These guides haven’t been printed in years, and with no new editions showing up, supply has evaporated while demand hasn’t slowed one bit. Collectors are grabbing copies the moment they surface, creating a classic seller’s market. Here’s what I noticed:

• Out-of-print status: No fresh copies means existing ones become rare finds, and that scarcity sends prices through the roof.
• Nostalgia and practicality: Even with online resources everywhere, many of us still treasure our CPGs—especially beginners who cut their teeth on them before web info was plentiful.
• Speculation runs wild: Prices jump even higher whenever rumors about new editions start circulating, turning current copies into hot commodities.

Why New Editions Keep Vanishing

I kept hearing whispers about upcoming editions that never arrived. After connecting the dots, it seems disorganization and logistical nightmares are the real culprits. Tentative dates like “August 2023” have been floating around since 2019 but keep getting kicked down the road. Here’s where things seem to stall:

• Contributor headaches: Royalty and copyright confusion causes friction—some variety discoverers want compensation, but legally it’s a gray area since coin varieties can’t be copyrighted. This leads to standoffs that delay content.
• Pricing puzzles: When a variety hasn’t been published, contributors have to estimate its value, adding guesswork that bogs down the process.
• Production snags: Past attempts like the 2020 pre-sale fell apart, hinting at unresolved issues behind the scenes.

All this makes me doubt we’ll see a new guide anytime soon, which only makes existing copies more precious.

How Collectors Are Adapting

Like many of you, I’ve adjusted my own approach. For example, I’m seeing more collectors shift focus to older series like Bust coins, which disappear fast from dealers’ cases. This move away from modern issues might be driving interest in guides covering those areas. At the same time:

• Online alternatives: I’ve mostly shelved my CPGs now, leaning on websites and forums for live variety updates. The web offers instant access that books just can’t match.
• Mistakes happen: I’ve spotted errors in my CPGs over the years, making digital sources more appealing since they can be corrected quickly.
• Digital deals: I snagged Vol. 2 on Kindle for $15—a bargain that works just fine when I need it.

What I’d Suggest for Other Collectors

If you own a CPG, hang onto it—as delays pile up, that copy will likely become more valuable. If you’re hunting one down, stay patient and alert. Here’s what works for me:

• Watch the usual spots: Check eBay and other marketplaces regularly, but expect to pay top dollar when one appears.
• Try other resources: Online databases and collector communities often have fresher info—and they’re usually free.
• Stay updated but skeptical: Sign up for publisher alerts if you want, but take any release dates with a massive grain of salt given their track record.

The Cherrypickers Guide story shows how coin collecting keeps evolving, mixing old-school charm with today’s realities. Whether you’re hunting varieties or just building a collection, understanding these shifts helps cut through the noise and make choices that work for you.