I was at the NumisMedia website looking up 1942 Lincoln cents and the letters BN, RB and RD follows the dates. Does anyone know whats these letters mean? William
Hi, yes, BN= brown, RB = red-brown, RD= Red ( the % can vary by source, but RD is usually 95% or better red, RB 5-95% Red, BN less than 5% red.) The RB is usually the one that varies the most from source to source. Jim
Brown Red-Brown Red As copper (bronze, etc.) is the most reactive of the common coin metals, full Red cents, especially older ones, are more highly desired. Brown is the default and some degree of Redness to the Brown adds to attractiveness, certainly. Be ware of artificial reds from dips, preparations, etc.
The reason I ask is because I bought a roll of 1942 Lincoln Cents for 20 dollars about 15 years ago at a show. They look like they've never been touched, so I don't know what category that would fall in as far as color goes. I haven't mastered the art of photography yet but if I can I'll take photos. William
Go to the Heritage webisite and look at old Lincoln auctions and pay attention to the RD, RB, and brown designators. That might help you identify what you have. If you need to join to view them it is free and worth it just for the historical information they provide.
