Copper and color thoughts

veryfine

I'd like to add some copper type coins to my collection, but the dark colors hold me back; specifically in reference to large cents. Naturally, I'd like a Red or "RB" Liberty Cap cent, but unless I win the lottery, that's not happening! My goal is F-12 to VF-20. So, when I see a deep brown cent, my first impression is, "interesting coin but way too dark." Unlike silver, gold or nickel, I need to tilt the copper coin in several directions in order to see what I'm supposed to see.

Should I be looking for something in the "tan" or "light-brown" range or is that often a sign of an old cleaning? A nice smooth, problem-free dark brown Large cent is scarce and desirable, but if given the option, I'd prefer a lighter color (unless it's a Chain cent, which I'll accept with fair details, jet-black color, and mistakenly dropped into a paper shredder )

Your thoughts?

Spooly

If you want a Liberty Cap Large Cent 1793 to 1796, in f-12 to VF-20 you will have to deal with the darker color. Here is my 1794 in VF-20, it has nice color.

MidLifeCrisis

Look for smooth surfaces with even, medium brown color that reminds you of milk chocolate.

If it reminds you of dark chocolate, you should avoid it.

If it looks wet, you should avoid it.

In later dates, I like red-brown too.

I don't like red copper unless it's on a Lincoln Cent. Old copper that is still red has likely been messed with.

ambro51

Learn your series because some years are known to be "certain" colors.