Have wanted to upgrade my 1931 S Lincoln cent NGC MS64BN to a little bit higher grade. Been going back and forth on whether to get an MS64RD or an MS65RB. I can get a higher grade but sacrifice the full red, or get the same grade I already have and get the full red. Is this particular coin worth the one point jump if you have to sacrifice the full red? Basically the only way I can coin shop is online since there aren't any coin shops close by that carry this particular coin for me to inspect in hand. If there were, I would find the reddest MS65RB I could find. But since I have to resort to online purchases and poor pics, this is all I can do.
I would suggest you take your time and find an upgrade you like, regardless of the modifier. You can generally get a decent view of a coin at Heritage. It may take a while for the right coin to become available, but you might also put away enough and bump in to a 66 that you like (and have the money put away by then to afford the additional costs). The biggest mistake we (myself included) make when buying coins is getting in a hurry.
I know you are limited online but look at the coin as best you can and just find one you like. There are some gorgeous 65RBs out there that I'd much rather have than a 64RD.
As far me I'm a huge fan of the brown cents. I don't have a registry of any kind so I don't compete for points if that is why you are doing it. I don't care for RB Lincolns and think the reds are like vanilla ice cream while it's the most popular it's still plain. I'd take an MS64BN over an MS65RD any day, but that's just personal preference. I hope you find the one you're looking for.
I would suggest you take your time and find an upgrade you like, regardless of the modifier. You can generally get a decent view of a coin at Heritage. It may take a while for the right coin to become available, but you might also put away enough and bump in to a 66 that you like (and have the money put away by then to afford the additional costs). The biggest mistake we (myself included) make when buying coins is getting in a hurry.
Coin shows would be your best bet if you're looking to upgrade your '31-S. I think it would be better to take your time and find one to examine in-person before you jump the gun, especially on those key dates.
