RD, RB and BN (copper color)

How to read it

Copper coins typically come from the press red, NGC says, and the red luster fades over time and eventually turns to a brown patina. PCGS gives RD to a copper coin that keeps 95% or more of its original mint color, with only slight mellowing allowed, and RB to one with 5% to 95%; BN is a copper coin that no longer has the red color, in shades PCGS lists as mahogany, chocolate and others. NGC's thresholds are lower: RD needs at least 85% of the original red luster, RB at least 15%, and BN is less than 15%. CAC Grading's RD is full or near-full original red. NGC uses the three on all copper coins, mint state and proof, and ranks RD above RB and RB above BN; for coins that carry them, NGC says, the color matters more than anything except the number grade and a plus.

Also searched as: BN, RB, RD, red brown penny.

One coin, two colors

By the published figures, a cent with 90% of its red left meets NGC's RD (at least 85%) but falls in PCGS's RB (5% to 95%). The letters on a holder are the grading service's reading, against its own thresholds.

Color in the ANA's standards

The ANA's grade descriptions ask for the color of copper to be stated. From MS 66 down they say it "must be designated" or "should be designated", and by MS 61 and MS 60 they describe copper coins as possibly dull, dark and spotted.