MS-65-RD or MS-66-RB ?

desslok

A general question:

Which coin would you say is preferable in general, a PCGS MS-66 RB or PCGS MS-65 RED?

For the sake of argument let's ignore the exact series involved, let's say that both coins are similar in price, and that you are unable to view either of them person (only seller's photos and TrueViews). Also let's assume both are accurately graded. You want one for your own long-term collection, not for a quick flip.

Which would you choose?

Swampboy

I'm gonna take that 66RB but it's hard to ignore the series for this discussion

oldabeintx

The one with the most eye appeal IMO, based on available photos.

relicsncoins

I don't think PCGS guarantees color on copper so there is less downside on the RB coin. Take an 1872 IHC in 65RD, it's a 13K coin, if it happens to lose it's RD designation and is now a 65RB, its a 3K coin.

MFeld

In a sight-unseen transaction, I'll take the RB. I believe there's a much better chance that a "RB" is really RB than that a "RD" is really RD. And if there are spots, flecks, stains, discolorations, etc. they'll likely be less conspicuous on the RB coin. Lastly, the "RB" should be a better quality coin.

braddick

Pre 1933 RED.
Post 1933 R/B.

lusterlover

It depends on the % of RB. I'm a huge fan of RB copper, especially the ones that are 90-95% RD that PCGS calls RB. Tons of value there and in a lot of instances, the change to RB created some cool toning/color. JMHO

MFeld

@braddick said:
Pre 1933 RED.
Post 1933 R/B.

Pat, what’s the reason for your pre/post 1933 distinction?

jmlanzaf

@MFeld said:
In a sight-unseen transaction, I'll take the RB. I believe there's a much better chance that a "RB" is really RB than that a "RD" is really RD. And if there are spots, flecks, stains, discolorations, etc. they'll likely be less conspicuous on the RB coin. Lastly, the "RB" should be a better quality coin.

Also a better chance that it stays red brown.

ThreeCentSilverFL

No way on copper without seeing it.

ricko

I agree fully with @MFeld.... Cheers, RickO

braddick

@MFeld said:

@braddick said:
Pre 1933 RED.
Post 1933 R/B.

Pat, what’s the reason for your pre/post-1933 distinction?

Full red early date Lincolns are rare and beautiful. Truly eye-catching. Later dated Wheat Lincolns are attractive with R/B toning (and the higher grade bump).
MS65 early date Lincolns are graded slightly stricter than later dates- from my limited experience.

privatecoin

I'd take the 66rb.

MFeld

@braddick said:

@MFeld said:

@braddick said:
Pre 1933 RED.
Post 1933 R/B.

Pat, what’s the reason for your pre/post-1933 distinction?

Full red early date Lincolns are rare and beautiful. Truly eye-catching. Later dated Wheat Lincolns are attractive with R/B toning (and the higher grade bump).
MS65 early date Lincolns are graded slightly stricter than later dates- from my limited experience.

Thank you!

PhillyJoe

RD all day long. While the 66 is perceived to be a higher quality coin, the difference between a 65 and 66 may be minimal, while the distinction between a RD and RB will be noticeable. Again, we are talking theory and not a coin in particular. If a 100 year old coin was graded RD 30 years ago, I'll take my chances that it stays that way.

messydesk

@desslok said:
A general question:

Which coin would you say is preferable in general, a PCGS MS-66 RB or PCGS MS-65 RED?

For the sake of argument let's ignore the exact series involved, let's say that both coins are similar in price, and that you are unable to view either of them person (only seller's photos and TrueViews). Also let's assume both are accurately graded. You want one for your own long-term collection, not for a quick flip.

Which would you choose?

The one without spots.

jt88

I think this question need to go with price. If the price difference is not big then I will go for rd for sure. So really it really depends on the price difference.

jackpine20

Given the absence of spots ... (as commented above) ... I believe MS-66 RB Indian Cents (for example) have more eye appeal than MS-65 RD. To each his own. RB will hide slight imperfections.

winesteven

@messydesk said:
The one without spots.

1. I agree. As a rough generalization, a 66RB has a lower tolerance for spots than a 65RD.
2. I also agree as a generalization with @MFeld and others. However, to ME, the biggest factor which is NOT included in the list of several assumptions in the OP is the percentage of red in the RB. As we know, the RB designation is assigned to a coin that can have only 5% red, but as much as 95% red. I think the OP can be correct with the generalization of the assumption that the 66RB and 65RD can indeed be similar in price to each other. With that said, RB coins that have a lot of red in them sell for more than RB coins with much less red, everything else being equal. For ME, I only consider 66RB coins if they have at least 65% red, preferably more.
3. I have three copper sets: a) IHC set about halfway complete, where I have a healthy mixture of MS65RB, 66RB, 65RD, and 66RD. b) Lincoln Wheat DATE set (still four coins missing), with every coin being RD (no “rare” date/Mint Marks), and c) Two Cent business Strike set (completed with no upgrades needed), with a grade color mixture similar to my IHC set above.

Steve