We thought your readers would like to know that the original Red Book shop dummy, original Blue Book shop dummy, and an antique Whitman Publishing printing plate will be on display at the upcoming Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo, September 24-26 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Original Red Book Shop Dummy: Don't let its blue color fool you: this is the original "shop dummy" of the first edition of the Red Book (the Guide Book of United States Coins), which would be published in late 1946. Note the vellum hand-lettered cover sketch. . . the penciled-in text and notations. . . the red editorial markups. This is numismatic history in process-a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the hobby's best-selling guide book.

Original Blue Book Shop Dummy: Before the Red Book there was the Blue Book-A Hand Book of United States Coins, which debuted in 1942. This is the original shop dummy for the first edition, complete with penciled notes and pasted-in content-a rare, indeed unique, piece of numismatic history from the Whitman Publishing archives.

Antique Whitman Publishing Printing Plate: This old-fashioned printing plate, copyright 1940, was used to print one of Whitman's famous coin boards - in this case, "Barber or Liberty Head Half Dollar Collection No. 2."

Whitman Publishing started making its coin boards in the early 1930s, followed by coin folders in 1940. They took the hobby by storm - making it easy to collect and display coins from pocket change - and helped usher in the Great Depression era's popular craze for coin collecting.

In addition to these displays, there will be a currency exhibit featuring 10 of the most interesting U.S. notes, including the $1,000 "Grand Watermelon"; an exhibit featuring the Nova Constellatio pattern coins; and several other interesting, educational exhibits.

There will also be several free programs and meetings.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
2 p.m.
"Announcing the Red Book's New Professional Edition"
Room 305

A new, expanded "Red Book on Steroids" is coming to the hobby. The Guide Book of United States Coins, Professional Edition, is for intermediate to advanced collectors, professional coin dealers, and investors. Find out what makes this the one reference --- after the regular-edition Red Book, of course --- that you absolutely must have in your numismatic library. It debuts in October; get a sneak peek now, ahead of the crowd!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
1 p.m.
"Great Numismatists I've Met: From B. Max Mehl to Present Day"
Room 305

Among modern numismatists, few have reached the legendary stature of Q. David Bowers, a coin dealer, researcher, auctioneer, and award-winning author since the early 1950s. In this fascinating lecture and Q&A session, Bowers weaves tales of some of the personalities he's met and become friends with over the years. A fireside chat with a hobby legend, telling about other hobby legends --- you'll kick yourself if you miss this one!

2 p.m.
"Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness"
Room 305

Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker presents a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Fred Reed's monumental new book, Abraham Lincoln: The Image of His Greatness. Marvel at how our nation's greatest president has been portrayed in an impressive collection of coins, medals, tokens, paper currency, scrip, and other collectibles and mainstream media. Rumor has it that visitors are invited to have a free souvenir photo-portrait made with Mr. Lincoln at booth #461 this afternoon and Saturday morning on the bourse floor.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
2 p.m.
"History of the Red Book: 63 Years in the Hobby, and Going Strong"
Room 305

No other coin guide has influenced as many collectors as the Guide Book of United States Coins, known nationwide as the "Red Book." Now, hobby legend and longtime Red Book editor Kenneth Bressett recounts the marvelous history of this #1 best-seller. Meet the hobby giants who have touched this classic over the years --- and been touched by it, in turn.

Learn about fantastic error books, rare editions and one-of-a-kinds, and related collectibles. Hear about the year the Red Book beat John F. Kennedy and Dale Carnegie, why a special book was printed for Mint Director Eva Adams, how a blind collector finally got to read about his coins, and more. Bring your questions for the Q&A --- and your Red Book, for Ken to autograph.

For the complete show schedule, see:http://www.whitmanexpo.com/contentPages/Schedule_Philadelphia.aspx