WHITMAN ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO OVERTON BOOK

Whitman Brands™, a leading full-service provider of data, media, and product distribution for the numismatics and collectibles marketplace, announces the landmark acquisition of the rights to the esteemed works of Al C. Overton and Donald L. Parsley. This acquisition secures the future of the definitive authority on the Capped Bust Half Dollar series: Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794–1836.

For over half a century, the Overton numbers have served as the universal language for collectors of early American silver. By bringing this foundational research into the Whitman portfolio, the company ensures that the legacy of meticulous scholarship established by Al Overton and continued by Donald Parsley will be preserved and expanded for future generations of numismatists.

A Legacy of Family and Scholarship

The story of the Overton reference is one of passion and family devotion. Al C. Overton published his first full-length book on the series in 1967, revolutionizing the hobby by introducing a systematic methodology for identifying die marriages. His work turned a complex field of study into an accessible pursuit for thousands of collectors.

Upon his passing, Al's daughter, Bonnie, and her husband, Donald Parsley, took up the mantle to ensure the work remained the industry standard. Donald, who had assisted Al with the very first edition, spent over 40 years studying the series. Under Donald's stewardship—and with Bonnie's steadfast support—the reference evolved through multiple editions, significantly improving plate quality and rarity data. The Parsleys' dedication transformed a family heritage into a monumental contribution to American numismatic history.

The Union of Two Publishing Giants: Whitman and CDN

This acquisition marks another milestone for Whitman Brands. Whitman, founded in 1934, is the creator of the iconic Guide Book of United States Coins (the "Red Book") and the Handbook of United States Coins (the "Blue Book"). Originally a subsidiary of Western Publishing, Whitman helped popularize coin collecting for the masses with its ubiquitous blue coin boards, which later evolved into the folders and albums that continue to define the hobby today.

In 2023, Whitman was acquired by CDN Publishing, the esteemed publisher of the Greysheet and the industry's leader in wholesale pricing data since 1963. In 2024 Whitman acquired the rights to the entire Friedberg Collection—Paper Money of the Unted States, Gold, Coins of the World, So-Called Dollars, and Early Dated Coins of Europe—and the industry-standard Friedberg Numbering System. Last year, Whitman launched a completely reimagined and redesigned 2026 edition of the Red Book, integrating industry standard, Greysheet-based retail market values in up to nine grades for more 12,000 coins, tokens, medals, sets, and other collectibles.

Today, as one company under the leadership of John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands, Whitman continues to provide authoritative content, market insight, and trusted experiences to collectors, dealers, and institutions worldwide

Looking Forward

"The Overton-Parsley research is the bedrock of early half-dollar collecting," said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. "It is a profound honor to be entrusted with Al and Donald's legacy. We look forward to utilizing our digital and print resources to keep this essential data at the fingertips of every specialist in the field."

Plans for future editions and digital integrations of the Overton-Parsley data will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, upcoming book releases, and other collecting supplies, visit whitman.com.

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