PCGS posted this very helpful article on how they assign the color designation when grading copper coins (Red - Red/Brown - Brown): http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=6359&universeid=313&type=1 Some highlights include: Red: Must have at least 95 percent of the red color on both sides of the coins MS/PR-69/70 will have only the slightest mellowing of color is allowed MS/PR-67/68 will have slight mellowing to some mellowing of color is allowed, but if a coin has exceptional luster/reflectivity the mellowing that is allowed is proportional to these elements MS/PR-64/66 will have some mellowing is expected proportional to the luster/reflectivity and the spotting MS/PR-60/63 will have considerable mellowing of the color is allowed, and spotting is the factor that often determines the amount of mellowing allowed Red/Brown Must have 5 to 95 percent of original mint color and can range from nearly full mint red to mostly brown or tan Severely faded red coins (that may have little or no brown) are called RB Spotting is allowed, although in higher grades (MS/PR-65/66) this will be extremely minor Minor spot or two may be allowed if compensated for by superior luster/reflectivity or intensity of color. In lower grades (MS/PR-64 and below) A coin with one side full original red and the other side fully brown, or with only traces of red, will be designated RB Brown Usually have 5 percent or less of their original color Will have either a smooth, light-to-dark brown color or a light-to-streaky tan color with only tinges of red, if any at all Some coins will have up to 10 percent red on one side of the coin and no red, or only trace amounts of red on the other side For streaky brown or tan coins the amount of unevenness allowed in MS/PR-67/69 is very minor For grades MS/PR-64/66, a moderate amount of unevenness of color is allowed For MS/PR-63 and below grades, streaky or uneven color is common Minor spotting is allowed in the higher grades (MS/PR-65 and above) For grades above MS/PR-66 spotting must be microscopic For grades MS/PR-64 and below, there may be considerable spotting Many BN coins will have diminished luster or reflectivity, with a few having lost almost all bloom which will affect its numerical grade
Thanks for posting this. I am on PCGS's website a lot but I hadn't noticed it. The color designations have always been confusing to me and this helps.
I think there is a lot of value in high-end RB coins. They don't have the RD pricetag, and tend to be more stable to boot. Thanks for posting, Charmy.
I agree with you, Mike. As the McCullagh matte proof Lincoln set shows, RB can be stunning. If I ever start collecting copper, I would think long and hard before collecting in red.
Thanks guys - I really appreciated PCGS posting how they determine the color designations so I thought it might be helpful here too. And I agree with Leadfoot - I even advise my clients about advantages of buying RB coins as opposed to RD coins. In addition to the lower price tag, I tell them that most red coins, especially if not stored carefully in a dark low humidity location, will eventually turn Red Brown over time. Most original red (not messed with) old copper coins were stored in roles or put away in safes or drawers from the beginning. Another advantage (at least in my opinion) is that red brown copper comes in such beautiful and varying colors and tones, like theMcCullagh MPLs for example. Even though red copper is beautiful too, to me it usually doesn't have the uniqueness to it that red brown and some brown coins do.
