I purchased the 2nd Edition a couple of years ago and enjoyed it from cover to cover. I loved the stories behind the coins, and the large images of the front and back of each great coin.Early last year I gave away this book, and am sorely missing the beauty of it for a year now. I have looked through Jeff Garrett's Encyclopedia of Gold Coins at the local bookstore, and strangely, I find that this book is way better. The Encyclopedia feels more like an oversized Redbook, while this item feels like a great work of art.I am looking forward to receiving the new 3rd Edition. I called Whitman Books and their customer service rep told me that it should be ready by Dec. 20th. As to when it will be ready from Amazon, I do not know. But I am truly looking forward to the new 3rd Edition.