By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez - September 29, 2022
We receive a lot of questions about what constitutes a so-called Red copper coin. For many, Red is the most desirable coloration on a copper coin, yet it’s also among the scarcest, particularly when considering vintage copper coins. After all, copper is one of the most volatile metals commonly used for striking coins. Copper oxidizes in even the most seemingly benign of environments, with humidity, sulfurous air, and saliva liable to cause spotting, overall discoloration, and corrosion on a copper coin.
Red refers to the hue of fresh copper, as it would appear just after the coin is struck. Because of copper’s propensity to darken over the years, only very small fractions of old copper coins are found with coloration that would numismatically be deemed Red.
According to PCGS grading guidelines, the following defines the Red designation for a copper coin:
- PCGS designated Red (RD) for copper coins that grade MS60 or better and show 95% or more of their original mint-red color.
Trying to distinguish between a coin that’s, say, 93% or 94% versus meeting the minimum threshold of 95% Red can cause a great deal of confusion and frustration for the collector. In fact, making that call between a copper that is Red versus one that is Red-Brown, or determining that a coin is just on the cusp of being Red, is one of the most difficult elements of grading copper coins.
That’s one reason so many collectors submit their copper coins to PCGS – because PCGS experts know the distinction between a coin that’s Red-Brown (RB) and Red (RD) and can consistently ascribe the correct color designation to a copper coin. Not only does this take all the guesswork out of the equation for the collector, but it also instills more confidence in the collector – or a potential buyer – that the coin is legitimately a “Red.”
As any connoisseur of copper coins knows, the difference between a Red and Red-Brown isn’t just measured in the percentage of Red on the surface. It’s also a difference often distinguished by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s just one of many reasons why it pays to know whether you really have an RB or Red!
FAQs
Are Red Pennies Worth More? If we are comparing two identical cents from the same year and mint, with both receiving the same Mint State Sheldon grade, the red penny should be worth more. This is due to the preserved mint state color.
Is a red penny worth anything? ›
Are Red Pennies Worth More? If we are comparing two identical cents from the same year and mint, with both receiving the same Mint State Sheldon grade, the red penny should be worth more. This is due to the preserved mint state color.
Are red coins rare? ›
Many of the Red copper coins are hard to find and to top it off, copper coin collectors are also some of the most aggressive collectors in today's coin market.
What is red copper? ›
Pure copper is called red copper, also known as copper. It has good plasticity, excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and can be applied to both hot and cold pressing processes. It is widely used in cables, wires, and electric corrosion-resistant copper.
What color are copper coins? ›
As copper coins begin to oxidize and tone, their color generally turns to a brownish hue. Coins that still retain some (but not all) of the original mint red, the designation “RB” or “Red-Brown” is applied.
Why is my Penny Red? ›
Red refers to the hue of fresh copper, as it would appear just after the coin is struck. Because of copper's propensity to darken over the years, only very small fractions of old copper coins are found with coloration that would numismatically be deemed Red.
How do you value a red penny? ›
As a general rule of thumb, Penny Reds cancelled with a Maltese Cross are usually worth more than those featuring a numeral cancellation. Depending on its quality, watermark and perforation, a Penny Red Stars' value is probably somewhere between 30p and £10, but the more valuable ones are scarce.
What is the price of red coins? ›
RED TOKEN Price Live Data
The live RED TOKEN price today is $0.000004 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $47,930.77 USD.
Is pure copper red? ›
Pure copper is orange-red and acquires a reddish tarnish when exposed to air.
Is red copper safe? ›
Is made from aluminum. Is oven-safe to 500 ° F. Has a lifetime warranty.
With the PCGS grading company, They determine a coin to be red if it has ninety-five percent or more red copper color showing. The red color of the coin is basically the original copper color with no brown color change on the coin. The rare copper coin should look like it did when it was first minted.
What are red pennies? ›
The red cent is symbolic, representing an a tiny amount of money. The original U.S. copper penny was reddish and was also called a red cent. Definitions of red cent. something of little value. “not worth one red cent”
How can you tell if you have a copper coin? ›
Though there are a few ways to do this, such as weighing them or examining the color, the easiest and quickest way is to check the date. In 1982, the fast-rising cost of copper caused the US Mint to manufacture pennies primarily made of zinc and only plated in copper.
What does one red penny mean? ›
informal. : no money at all. I would not pay one red cent for that car.
How much is a 1943 red penny worth? ›
Most 1943 Lincoln pennies in worn grades (average condition) trade for around 10 cents to 25 cents apiece. Typical examples in uncirculated condition usually realize $1 to $5.
