Professionals use a numerical scale that ranges from 1 to 70, with "Good" coins rating at 4, "Fine" coins rating at 12, and "Mint Condition" coins rating at 56. While some Brown Indian cents may have the smallest trace of red and still be Brown, some Red Indian cents may be a bit brown in some crevices and still be Red, Indian cents that show a mixture of red and brown colors are, appropriately, called Red/Brown Indian cents.What Is the Numerical Grading System for Canadian Coins?Ĭanadian coins receive grades based on condition, which greatly affects the price and worth. Indian cents that seem to have color traits lending to both red and brown are dubbed Red/Brown (or RB) Indian cents. In general, though, it’s still wise to look for coins with nice, even color than spotty or splotchy color, as you’ll find most coin collectors tend to desire coins with even color rather than uneven color. Some people actually like splotchy or mottled toning and will pay for this if they see such a coin in a coin shop. However, as with any toned coin, every coin collector has their own opinion as to what the most desirable color patterns are. Any Indian cent - even brown ones - tend to be less valuable if the color is splotchy than if it looks even. And, therefore, a primary reason why red is such a desirable color on Indian Head cents (and any old copper coins).Ī Brown Indian Head cent without spots is by far more valued by coin collectors than a coin with spots.Īlso, it’s very important for brown Indian Head cents to have an even color. So, finding a naturally red, old copper coin is something whcih is quite difficult. Red, also, is one of the most challenging colors to find on an old copper coin because copper tends to turn darker or greener over the years. This is largely because a Red (or RD) Indian Head cent looks almost like it did when it was still new and fresh from the U.S. In general terms, the more red on an Indian Head cent, the more value the coin has. Well, quite simply, it all comes down to eye appeal and value. Your Red Indian Head cent may be somebody else’s Red/Brown Indian cent!īut you might still be asking yourself why the color of Indian Head cents even matters in the scheme of coin collecting. While you may be able to determine red from brown on the a color palette of paints, trying to pick out red from brown, and especially red/brown from red and brown can be a little difficult.Īfter all, as you may have realized by now, coin grading is more of an art than a science. What causes these different colors? Why are the colors important? How can the colors even affect the value of your coin?īrown, Red/Brown, And Red: Why Color Matters Many Indian Head cents are red, others are brown, and a wide selection are a mixture of brown and red colors. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Īny coin collector who has focused on Indian Head cents has noticed not all Indian Head cents are the same - especially if those Indian pennies are uncirculated.Ĭheck out a coin dealer’s store or even eBay’s current crop of mint-state Indian Head cents to look at the many colors of Indian Head cents on the market.
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