Cherrypickers Guide: Why Are They Selling for So Much? My Collector’s Perspective

While organizing my coin library last week, I came across a couple extra Cherrypickers Guides. Just for kicks, I checked their going rate on eBay—and nearly dropped my loupe! Prices have ballooned into the hundreds, miles above the original $40 sticker. That got me wondering: why are these once-humble reference books fetching such crazy money now?

My First Glimpse of the Price Boom

Like most collectors, I’d forgotten about my spare copies until that moment. Seeing today’s prices was a real shock. The scarcity factor hit home hard, especially since I’d missed this trend developing. It’s that familiar dance of supply and demand we see in numismatics—where a reference book goes out of print and suddenly becomes liquid gold.

Why Scarcity Rules the Market

The heart of the matter? These guides haven’t seen a new printing in ages. We’ve heard promises about new editions for years—remember when August 2023 was floated? But constant delays since 2020 have left a vacuum. From what I gather through the grapevine, there’s been some disorganization behind the curtain—contributors getting contacted then dropped, which only feeds collector anxiety.

• Delays kicked off around 2020, but life kept happening (pandemics, supply chains) pushing dates further out
• Pre-orders on Amazon evaporated without delivering, making existing copies even more desirable

Changing Tides in Collecting

This isn’t just about books—it mirrors where our hobby’s heading. My dealer friends confirm growing appetite for early coins like Bust series, while modern releases cool off. Back when the Cherrypickers Guide first hit shelves, it was essential for variety hunting in the pre-internet dark ages. These days? With countless online resources, its everyday usefulness has faded for many of us.

• I’ll admit—I mostly use digital tools for quick checks now. My physical copies feel more like comfort food for the collector’s soul
• For newcomers though, it’s still a solid foundation before diving down online rabbit holes

Behind the Curtain & Buyer Beware

Peeling back another layer reveals some rough edges. Royalty disputes over variety discoveries can stall production for ages. And those unpublished variety valuations? Often just educated guesses by experts. Plus—and I say this as someone who loves these guides—they contain errors. I’ve spotted outdated info myself that could cost you if you don’t cross-check with online sources.

So if you’re considering buying now: inspect carefully before paying premium prices. And honestly? Free digital resources often give more current intel.

Navigating the Frenzy Wisely

If you’ve got old copies like me, hold onto them—especially signed or early editions. They might keep appreciating. But if you’re buying today, tread carefully:

• Watch for publisher updates, but don’t hold your breath given their track record
• Lean on coin forums and online databases—they’re free and constantly updated
• Put your money into coins, not books. Older series are where the real action is lately

The Cherrypickers Guide will always have a special place in our hobby’s history. But let’s be real—those sky-high prices come from scarcity, not necessity. I treasure my copies for nostalgia, but for actual variety hunting? Digital tools win every time. Still, if you own one, keep it close. It’s part of our story.