Cherrypickers Guide: Why Are They Selling for So Much? My Numismatic Exploration

Lately, I can’t stop wondering why Cherrypickers Guides are suddenly selling like rare mint errors. As a collector who lives for variety hunting, I had to investigate. What I discovered is a perfect storm of supply issues, shifting collector interests, and some publishing drama that’s turned these guides into gold.

Why Prices Are Soaring

When I browsed eBay’s sold listings, my jaw dropped—copies that sold for $40 just a few years back are now fetching hundreds. The heart of the matter? They’re out of print with no new edition coming soon. We all know scarcity can rocket prices in our hobby, especially for essential references. If you’ve got one sitting on your shelf, hold tight—it’s becoming a valuable piece itself.

Changing Tastes Fuel the Fire

From bull sessions with dealers and my own collecting habits, I’ve noticed more folks trading modern issues for classics like Bust and Barber coins. That shift makes reliable variety guides more crucial than ever, since older series hide treasure in plain sight. The Cherrypickers Guide used to be my field manual, helping me spot key varieties without endless scrolling. Even with digital tools everywhere, nothing beats thumbing through actual pages at a coin show or flea market hunt.

The Never-Ending Wait for an Update

I’ve chased rumors about a new edition for years—first whispers said August 2020, then 2023, but still nothing. From what I’ve pieced together, delays boil down to publisher disorganization and contributor headaches. Imagine trying to price undiscovered varieties—it’s like guessing tomorrow’s weather. And there’s always debate about royalties: while you can’t copyright a doubled die, contributors want fair pay for their photos and write-ups. Until that’s sorted, existing guides will keep climbing in value.

Smart Moves for Collectors

After living through this rollercoaster, here’s my advice:

• Hold your copies: If you own one—especially signed or early editions—keep it close. I’ve watched prices creep upward monthly while we wait.
• Pair it with online tools: The guide has flaws, but it’s still my first stop. I always verify with sites like Variety Vista for current info.
• Verify and hunt wisely: Cross-check guide details against PCGS or NGC listings before buying a variety. For the books themselves, set eBay alerts and poke around local shops—that’s where I’ve found steals others missed.

This whole Cherrypickers saga proves that sometimes the tools we use become as collectible as the coins themselves. Whether you’re a lifer or new to the hobby, recognizing these patterns might just make that worn reference book your smartest acquisition this year.