[Tip] Red Brown Copper

[lara4228]

My oh my, here is real doozie of a newbie questions....besides the obvious, what is the difference between, a copper cent, a red cent, and a red/brown cent?

I know, I know it sounds incredible somebody is asking this, but they all look kind of, er, shiny and coppery, or dull and brown. With the occasional toned, (this one I know cause I have one lol)

Seriously, why the difference in colour makes the difference in value/collectiveness?

Pics requested for examples...c'mon y'all, show me whatchya got ;)

[DoubleYou]

A red cent is a coin that is as shiny orange copper color as the day it was minted. A brown cent is one that has lost its orange copper color and is brown in color. A red brown cent is between the two, with some brown and some red.

This is red:


This one would be best described as brown, as it is less than 5% red:


Unfortunately my photo collection currently lacks a red-brown coin so I'll refer you to this coin at this link: http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents.../1872_cent.htm

[lara4228]

awesome pics and awesome description.

Thank you. Everything answered all in one reply! Bonus!

[JeanK]

Just wanted to add my two cents

Hi Lara,
I believe the terms 'red', 'red-brown' and 'brown' are very subjective. I know the grading companies and us serious collectors have our own ideas about the differences.
Putting all that aside I thought I would photograph a few pages in my Dansco album to show some nice uncirculated coins with differing colors and post them here for you and others to see.
Of course, the 1943's are not red or brown...
Jean

[DoubleYou]

Nice collection, Jean.

[JeanK]

Thank you Wendell.
The book is actually complete through present day, including the key dates. I am trying to accumulate a collection of MS66RD slabbed coins to compliment the collection as I am able to find and afford to purchase. And, I am adding the nicest of my variety discovery coins as a bonuses to the album.
It has been very rewarding to bring the collection this far, from a few coins about four years ago, to this stage.
Jean

[jcuve]

Maybe Brad's grading guide, which I took the pictures for, would help?

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/Lincoln_Cent_Grading_Guide.html

If you read more about it, the whole red issue is subjective, but there are those who try to specifically quantify the percentage of red or brown present to determine the whole RD, RB or BR designation. Personally, I do not like the designations and agree with some other LCR members that color should be abandoned, as grades should be about strike and original surface (amount and degree of contact marks, fingerprints etc.). Some browns specifically, look amazing and are underrated. There is also a worry, probably provible, that all copper coins will eventually tone a brown anyway given enough time...

[kloccwork419]

Thats a nice lookin 37 you have in there Jean!!!

[JeanK]

Yep Jason, I know you like those toners. Thank you!
Jean

[adam1]

Would this be RB??

[coinman2009]

That looks a bit more brown than red, but I Love that woodgrain look! Nice Coin!

[adam1]

Thanks it looks better in hand (not good at taking pics. yet) the back side is more red then brown but has a finger print on it