Why No "RD" or "RB" Designation for Flying Eagle 1c.???

Hey CoinTalkers! Just a quick question. I was trying to figure out why Flying Eagle Cents aren't labeled with "Red (RD)" or "Red-Brown (RB)" on a slab when certified by a professional coin grading company. They are composed of a copper & nickel alloy (Is it due to the fact of the inclusion of nickel in the coin?) just as the Indian Head "Fatty" Cents with the same thickness as well, but those are designated with these RD & RB labels right (I may be incorrect)? I just found it very interesting since the majority of the coin is infact composed of copper. You would think it would increase the value of a Flying Eagle Cent if label as RD or RB, and you'd also think PCGS, NGC, ANACS ect. would want that wouldn't you :scratch:? Do they still bring a premium above a BN coin if it is noticably RD even if not labeled that on the slab? Whoever thinks they know why this is please comment on this thread below.

Thanks Everyone,
Brian

PS: I figured I'd just post this for confirmation...

 

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Good question that I had never given a thought to, but now wonder the same thing. I have a 1857 1C NGC MS65 that is obviously RB but the slab does not state that. Your coin is a tiny bit redder than mine but yours is still a RB.

 

probably because its bronze and not copper. indian head cents dont get the designation until 1864.

 

It's made of copper-nickel (CuNi) and coins in that metal do not get the Red/RB/BN descriptor.
You'll see the same situation with IHC's from 1859 through part of 1864.

How do I know this?
I made the same error and was correctly by one of the top small cent dealers.

 

Oh, alright. That's what I figured was probably the reason. Thanks alot for clearing that up everyone!

-Brian

 

They're not bronze and therefore don't get a color designation. Same for the early IHC's. The FE and the IHC 1859-1864 are 88% copper and 12% nickel (it was political). in 1864 the Mint changed metal content to bronze, 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. And yes, there are both types for 1864.
Lance.

 

And most important, when they are MS with original color, they are yellowish silver in color never red. That was why another nickname for them other than "nicks" or "nickels" was "white" cents.