Hello all, I've recently been looking into getting some key-date and semi-key date Lincolns. However, since these aren't cheap I would gladly settle for an XF-45, but nothing lower. My question is, I'm seeing a lot of nice coins, but it seems only the ones graded MS get an RD, RB, or BN designation. For example I'm looking at a real nice 1931-S AU50, but that's all it says on the PCGS label. No RB, RD, BN. So how would you distinguish between the three if there's nothing stating which it is?
ANA standards state that for MS coins RD,RB and BN can be added to the numerical grades as appropriate and does not make this refrence on lower grades via Lincoln cents guidebook pg87. It is based on an approximate percentage of color. Something like a hint of toning or no toning for red, about 20-30% toning for RB and 85-100% toned is BN pg. 101. Prices are generally higher for RD and RB, but you would have to decide for yourself. I feel that BN coins are easier to keep that way and RD and RB can become worse, more easily. And they seem to develop spots easier IMO.
Actually, they are fairly common. I have won my share on eBay. Just the seller does not know what a cleaned coin looks like. Seriously, I have seen several AU coins designated as RB. Not sure I have seen an AU coin designated as RD, but I suppose it is possible.
Ahh I see. I knew it had something to do with the color tone, but just didn't know how it was applied. Well thanks for the responses. I'm the high bidder so far on a 1931-S AU50. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one.
I'm not sure where you are reading that in the ANA standards, I can't recall ever seeing it. But the generally accepted percentages for the color classifications are - 95% or more original mint red = Red 5% or more to 94% original mint red = Red Brown less than 5% original mint red = Brown
GDJMSP, from Guide Book of Lincoln Cents Q. David Bowers pg. 87. On second look I have misinterpeted. It states BN,RB and RD can be added to the numerical grades as appropriate. It was right under MS heading and they only used MS examples, so I thought it only applied to MS. As for the percentages, second to last paragraph in the same book on pg. 101 gives ballpark figures. I should have looked harder for my ANA book, as I see now that you are correct. Discrepencies between the two books.:whistle:
If you read the PCGS grading guide you will see the numbers I have stated. And those are the numbers that the TPG's use, along with just about everybody else. You will also see that the designations R RB and BN are only used on MS or PF coins. They are not used on circulated grades.
Never seen one myself but I certainly don't doubt you. One of the differences between their standards and those of PCGS.
NGC lists their totals. They have actually graded 21 Lincolns AU-58 RED. The also have one listed as pr/ag RB. I have no clue how you get to that grade. BTW, there are 3 XF-40 RB's listed.
do they have a little grid chart they can lay over the coin separated into 100 equal pieces they can count to see when its close. 4% vs. 5%; 94% vs. 95%. It seems we need something this objective.
