Actually, two questions regarding grading.

Spawnfreak

First; Given that no two computer monitors or printers are alike, colorwise, how do I get an accurate representation of what grading companies grade as "red"? Second, will a tinted red be graded the same as an un-tinted red? I have a beautiful 1964 penny that is red, but tinted. Will try to upload pics, if I can take good ones.

291fifth

"Red" is in the eye of the beholder ... especially when the beholder is the grader or the buyer.

jonathanb

1. You don't. There is no substitute to looking at coins in hand.

2. Red Is red. Anything else is brown. Brown coins can be very attractive even if not red.

JesseKraft

@jonathanb said:
1. You don't. There is no substitute to looking at coins in hand.

2. Red Is red. Anything else is brown. Brown coins can be very attractive even if not red.

Don't forget about Red Brown (RB).

lilolme

@Spawnfreak said:
Second, will a tinted red be graded the same as an un-tinted red? I have a beautiful 1964 penny that is red, but tinted. Will try to upload pics, if I can take good ones.

Wow, good question. To put this another way if a freshly minted coin is 100% red, then at what % tint will it not be red? Is this what you are asking?

A 1% tint (99% red) would be almost imperceptible. So as the tint increases to 2%, 5% and so on, when would it no longer be red?

I have no clue. Experience I would think would be the answer which I do not have on copper (and red).

The pictures you mention would be good and those with the experience may be able to help whit the specific coin. In the pictures if you included one that is not tinted and almost 100% red that might help others interpret your pictures.

ricko

More than computer monitors or printers, the lighting/angle/camera affect the appearance of the picture(s). The same coin, photographed with a change in lighting or angle or camera, will appear differently - as has been demonstrated on this forum many, many times. Cheers, RickO

lkeigwin

Read this:
About copper color.

This coin is not "red". PCGS declared it RB.
Lance.

YQQ

How can they??
just because they can?? and we have to accept it?
if red, then in MO it is AT.

BenV

In my experience, red isn't uncommon on 20th century coins, but getting that red designation on 19th century pieces is very difficult. Copper tones over time unless you take extreme environmental precautions. In the end though, the only way to truly know if PCGS (or any other service) will certify a coin as RD or RB is to send it in.

For what it's worth, here's a RB from my collection that's about as close to RD as I could find. I'm pretty sure it's the toning in the headdress that disqualifies it, but I'm not willing to play the crackout game to try and get it in a RD holder.

2windy2fish

There really is nothing better than attending a show and looking at as many graded “Red” coins as you can….

TPRC

Here is my 09-s VDB that I would describe as a very close call. Others may disagree and I honestly did not know it would grade full red, though it certainly is fully original and beautiful. It also graded 4+ to boot, as a testament to its originality, so a PC MS-64+R. Really a nice original coin. My guess or supposition is that this piece will turn at some point in the next 20 years or so into a RB coin, in the holder, of course, which is why, I suppose, the services don't guarantee color. Curious if others agree with the color designation and whether this coin might turn (and why).

Spawnfreak

Thank you all very much!

PerryHall

I read somewhere that it has to be at least 95% red to get the "RD" designation.

1630Boston

@TPRC
Very nice coin
Especially graded 4+
I know it is a 64+