Which is more desirable cent/penny? A higher grade red-brown, or a lower grade red?
cj415
Posts: 13 ✭✭
I was recently fortunate enough to get a good deal on a 1909-S VDB. It's always been a chase from me to find the right one that I could afford. Ever since I would sort coins with my grandmother as a kid, that empty spot in the Whitman book would always stare up at me.
So, when I had an opportunity to grab an MS64-RED at a good price, I took it. Now, I'd like to upgrade.
Here is the question: Is it more desirable to keep the MS64-RED, or should I go for an MS65-RB? Or even an MS66-BN? I can't afford the higher-grade RED ones, so I was curious what people thought.
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Most copper that old should be mellowing by now. Just be aware of old holdered copper labeled red because they wont reholder them if color is starting to turn. And there is a lot of those coppers in old scratched holders that will be sold for red. Don't pay red price for those.
Over the years I upgraded from a few raw F to VF's then to slabbed XF and AU's and I never really found one that I was happy with. Then I finally picked this one up a few years ago and it hit the right spot for me... I just didn't want any toning, ugly spots, scratches, etc. It's whatever makes you happy. For me, this one did it.
If it's a keeper for your collection then it's totally up to you.
While the RD copper is usually pricier and more liquid, some prefer BN and the toning associated with them.
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It depends upon individual comparisons of the actual coins.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I’m a RB fan due to the varied colors one can see that add interesting aspects rather than a uniform red. And given your interest going up from 64, you will gain luster going to 65 and 66 levels that can be very satisfying. I’d go for a higher grade RB with no copper spotting, especially if I could find one in an old pcgs holder that should indicate stable copper conditions.
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Oh... that's a good point. My ANACS 64-RD is turning, even if the air-tight slab. I was thinking of trying to get it re-holdered, but I'm not sure it would score a RD designation again.
Tough question.
I would keep the Red as all coins turn over time. If the grade is just bearly a 64 then I might go for the higher grade red- brown. Question is. Do you have all your cents in holders or are they in books or 2x 2. Is the upgrade for set rankings or just pleasure.
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There is no automatic this is right or that is wrong when your evaluating a red vs rb copper coin, it really just depends on what you find attractive and what your budget allows. I have a 64RB in my set in a rattler holder, I love that it was placed in that holder many years ago and the color is/has been stable for all those years. The one I have has a look I like and I am satisfied with my choice so I've never looked to upgrade. The only thing I can suggest is that if budget and long-term resale value is a concern then going with a rb 65 is the sweet spot imo. Bn examples are popular with a certain segment of the market right now but its unclear if that will remain true in the future, high grade rd coins will always be in demand as long as the color hasn't faded, but are quite spendy.
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Totally agree here is an odd ball holder of a 1918 check out the change going on
This one has more value for the odd holder then the coin
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Valid points for each color grade. But very subjective at the end of all of it
Without good photos and without two specific coins, it is all hypothetical.
I buy a coin I like and keep it. Unless you're at the top of the food chain, someone makes money when you sell a coin, and when you buy another one.
Secondly, I have an 09 P IHC in PC 5 RD in an OGH. Color hasn't changed a bit since I bought it in 1998. When I was buying MS 65 old copper I always went for RB, for reasons discussed above.
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Yes, it is hypothetical at this point. I have the MS64-RD, but it has browned. I’d like to get a 65-RD, but the prices jumps too much, but then I asked myself why I want a Red so badly when there are so many nice RBs out there.
So, I came here looking for opinions. Sounds like plenty of people like RBs.
Get the red coin. Even though it’s a lower grade in my opinion it the appearance that counts. Red copper is the best.
It makes plenty of cents.
Older copper should be brown in my biased book!
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It all depends on your taste so ultimately you will have to decide. I personally like the higher grade RB as long as there are no spots as it has just enough red and brown mix that I like. I've seen RD cents that have remained red, but have spotting that I just can't stand.
Good luck with whatever you decide, but make sure you are happy with it. That is what is most important, not so much what experts or other collectors think.
Beauty is and will always be in the eye of the beholder.
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Buy the coin you like...whatever the color/label. If you are a collector, then your personal preference is most important. You will never be happy with a coin that does not excite you aesthetically. If you are buying/selling, then follow the market. Cheers, Ricko
As stated, it's all about the look/eye appeal. I am a RD and RB fan. I have been collecting reds for 35 years and have never had one turn on me. There are a lot of RBs that are mostly RD (80-95%) and can be great values. Keep us posted.
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If you sell a coin to buy a coin you like better, that's an upgrade. You might be able to upgrade your 64RD to another 64RD that is a little more attractive or doesn't have any spots, but is still not a 65. As for a 65RB, there are so many degrees of RB that you'll really have to examine a few coins to see what you like. For me, a deal breaker would be black spots.
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I'd probably favour a brown coin in high grade... No color change to worry about and those a can be quite pretty!
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I agree... in my book grade & lustre beats color that could/will change.