How to identify a first printing
- 1952-2002 (independent, Iola WI; founded by Chester L. Krause): hobby and collectibles reference publisher (coins, stamps, firearms, antiques, automobiles). Most Krause titles are annual or serially revised price guides ('Standard Catalog of...', 'Warman's'), so the relevant 'edition' is the numbered or dated annual edition stated on the cover and title page (e.g. '2001 Standard Catalog of World Coins'). The desirable state is the first printing of that dated/numbered edition; identify by the edition year or number plus the number line where one is present.
- 2002-2019 (F+W Publications / F+W Media ownership): acquired by F&W Publications in June 2002. Book-format titles use descending number lines ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', lowest digit present = printing); annual catalogs continue to be dated by edition year. Copyright pages begin referencing F+W.
- 2019-present (after F+W bankruptcy): F+W filed Chapter 11 in March 2019. Book assets (including the Krause book catalog) were acquired by Penguin Random House at the June 2019 auction; the Krause/numismatic magazine titles went to Active Interest Media. Post-2019 editions carry new ownership imprints.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1952 by Chester L. Krause in Iola, Wisconsin; the dominant U.S. hobby and collectibles reference and price-guide publisher (coins, stamps, guns, antiques, cars).
- Its 'Standard Catalog of...' and 'Warman's' price guides are serially revised, so the meaningful identifier is the stated edition year or number rather than a single 'first edition'.
- Ownership chain: independent, then F&W/F+W (June 2002), then F+W bankruptcy in March 2019 with assets dispersed (book catalog to Penguin Random House, magazines to Active Interest Media).
- For collectors the desirable copies are usually the earliest edition of a given catalog title, plus the first printing of standalone reference books.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Krause Publications, KP Books, Standard Catalog series, Warman's (price-guide line). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Krause Publications book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1952-2002 (independent, Iola WI; founded by Chester L. Krause): hobby and collectibles reference publisher (coins, stamps, firearms, antiques, automobiles). Most Krause titles are annual or serially revised price guides ('Standard Catalog of...', 'Warman's'), so the relevant 'edition' is the numbered or dated annual edition stated on the cover and title page (e.g. '2001 Standard Catalog of World Coins'). The desirable state is the first printing of that dated/numbered edition; identify by the edition year or number plus the number line where one is present. 2002-2019 (F+W Publications / F+W Media ownership): acquired by F&W Publications in June 2002. Book-format titles use descending number lines ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', lowest digit present = printing); annual catalogs continue to be dated by edition year. Copyright pages begin referencing F+W.
Does Krause Publications use a number line?
2002-2019 (F+W Publications / F+W Media ownership): acquired by F&W Publications in June 2002. Book-format titles use descending number lines ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', lowest digit present = printing); annual catalogs continue to be dated by edition year. Copyright pages begin referencing F+W.
Is a book-club edition a Krause Publications first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1952 by Chester L. Krause in Iola, Wisconsin; the dominant U.S. hobby and collectibles reference and price-guide publisher (coins, stamps, guns, antiques, cars).
What era does this cover?
This covers Krause Publications (1952-present (brand dispersed after 2019)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.