Dave writes:

Produced from 1961 through 1978, the Bookshelf is the most commonly seen obsolete coin album, slightlyedging out those from the Library of Coins, which lasted only until 1971. From the very beginning Whitman's line oftitles was extensive. All series of non-gold, USA coins had their own albums for issues dated roughly 1837 and later,the sole exception being Liberty Seated Dollars. For earlier coin series only Half Cents, Large Cents and Bust HalfDollars were provided their own albums. The more inclusive Library of Coins line did offer the missing Whitmantitles, and they thus retain fairly high resale values more than 50 years after they were printed. Conversely, mostBookshelf albums are reasonably priced in the aftermarket.

Whitman Bookshelf albums are case bound, as with a hardcover book, and this ultimately contributed to theline's undoing years later. With frequent use the covers of Bookshelf albums can separate from their stubs, as theyare attached solely by heavy staples that are covered by the pastedown paper. If one attempts to make the albums lieflat, the pastedown can tear away from the staples, and many used Bookshelf albums are found in this state. Anothercondition issue is that the gold printing of the front cover and spine tends to wear off of Bookshelf albums from theFirst Edition. Early in the Second Edition, Whitman adopted metallic gold printing that was brighter from the outsetand far more durable. This serendipitous development lasted only 1972-74, and for the final few years of productionthe cover text reverted to its former matte finish, probably for cost reasons.

There are many rarely seen albums in the Bookshelf line, but that does not necessarily translate to high values.The secondary market for these albums as a whole is not strong, despite their very attractive design and colorscheme. When they are sought, it is for use in storing coins and not as collectibles in their own right. Actually, thereare a number of individual varieties within particular titles that are quite rare, but the collecting of these albums tosuch a degree is perhaps an affliction suffered by the author alone.

The real market in Whitman Bookshelf albums is a practical one, limited mostly to persons who recall themfrom the 1960s-70s and wish to continue their collections utilizing these familiar products. The author, too, employsWhitman Bookshelf albums for all of his circulated coin series to great satisfaction. He also finds that certain titlesare always worth purchasing for resale whenever found in nice condition, and these include all those for LibertySeated coins. Another good seller is the Bookshelf album for Large Cents, though experience has demonstrated thatits opening are sometime a big snug for early date cents.

The only titles that consistently realize high prices in the secondary market are those for which other albums arelacking today. The most highly sought ones are the type set albums for Mexico, Panama and The Philippines. Theseare legitimately rare and in constant demand. Still desirable but less costly are the several albums for Canada, GreatBritain and Australia. The Canadian Large Cents album and the Newfoundland type set album in particular are fairlyscarce and can bring good money. Of the British albums, the most valuable on the secondary market are those forQueen Victoria's farthings, halfpennies and pennies by date, mint and variety, 1860-1901.

The various albums for tokens and medals are all very scarce, as are some of the custom printings forPresidential Art Medals, Inc. The latter are found either with or without the medals, and those featuring medals oftenare lacking some of later entries in their respective series. Over a period of years many subscribers to these medalslost interest and dropped out of the pursuit. The three albums for the Presidential Series, the first one launched, arethe easiest to find. The later Statehood Series is noticeably scarcer in both the medals and the albums, particularlyVolume 2. The Declaration Signers Series medals were of limited interest from the outset, and both the medals andthe albums are rare. Volume III of that series is perhaps the rarest of all Bookshelf albums, and it is the only entry inall three series to bring a strong price in auction sales.

Another very rare Bookshelf album is the custom printing for Franklin Mint. This album holds the first series ofdollar tokens coined for Nevada gaming casinos after the disappearance of silver dollars in 1964. The two varietieslisted in the First Edition catalog are quite are with or without the medals, yet empty examples do not bring very highprices. As of this writing there is little collector interest in the albums themselves. Also of limited interest and modestaftermarket value are the two albums for Israeli coins custom printed for R. P. Nielsen.

A complete set of Whitman's Bookshelf albums is quite beautiful in one's bookcase, as the publisher intended,but the number of persons attempting to assemble all the various titles will likely remain limited. Publication of thisbook may attract new collectors and higher prices in the long term.

For more information, or to order Dave's book, see:
https://www.coincollectingboards.com/

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: COIN COLLECTING ALBUMS, VOLUME THREE(https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n25a03.html)