Grading Colors for Copper Coins...

1jester

The TPGs only use 3 different color designations for copper: Red, Red/Brown, and Brown. It seems that this is woefully insufficient, especially due to the fact that the market prices for the 3 are significantly different. Besides, in addition to these 3 colors, copper has a wide range of natural occuring toning, including iridiscent colors, rainbows, and blue, green, purple, magenta, etc. What gives? Doe the TPGs need to consider some more designations? What do you think?

Bustman

I don't think they need more designations. If it's brown.... its brown. If its red......its red. Any other color of the rainbow ( toned) should be designated red-brown.

coppercoins

<< <i>I don't think they need more designations. If it's brown.... its brown. If its red......its red. Any other color of the rainbow ( toned) should be designated red-brown. >>


What he said.

1jester

Well, RB just doesn't seem to cover the possibilities very accurately. Thanks for your opinions though!

cosmicdebris

They need to take in account the blackened ones.

Cam40

there ya go, a new copper desig. RD Red, RB Red/Brown, BN Brown, DB Dark Brown

BillJones

Sorry, I can’t agree with you. About the only copper color designations that I would add would be “cleaned red, enhanced red & brown and recolored brown.” All of those have appeared in slabs, but of course they were not labeled that way.

Sorry to be cynical, but the grading of copper by the slab companies is a sore subject with me.

KlectorKid

I like they way they do it now, if its toned red, orange or yellow it will probably get the RD designation. And if they are not totally blues or purples they will most likely get the RB design. But if they are all blue or purple or are just really dark in color they get the BN.
Getting Blue copper for BN price is a great cherry I think.

coppercoins

I do have to agree with Billjones - Probably the one thing I would never submit to a grading company is my copper - the only thing they do consistently with copper is misgrade it.

1jester

I guess when I think of the normal brown toning on copper, I think of ugly, neglected copper. Of course, this isn't always so, as I've seen very well cared for copper which is perfectly (and beautifully) toned brown. I suppose what I take issue with is the brown designation to cover all other beautiful, multi-colored toning, such as the blues and purples and sometimes greens and reds. I really don't know how the TPGs would do if they used more designations; perhaps they would cause more trouble than its worth.

braddick

A blind collector would need more designators. Collectors with sight don't.

1jester

Ebay buyers might feel more comfortable with color designations, if there aren't good pix. Actually, pictures don't usually do justice to nice colors anyway.

braddick

There is one Grading Service that'll put "Rainbow Toned" on the insert of colorful copper.

PCI