Advanced Coin Grading Hacks: When to Resubmit for RB Designation (And When to Walk Away)

Advanced Coin Grading Hacks: When to Resubmit for RB (And When to Walk Away)

After 15 years of handling thousands of submissions, I’ve seen firsthand how collectors leave money trapped in holders by misunderstanding color upgrades. Let me share the insider strategies top dealers use to unlock the $4,000+ gaps between Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) coins.

The Hidden Economics of Color Designations

Could Your “Brown” Coin Be Hiding Red-Brown Value?

What seems like simple color judgment is actually a math problem. Here’s how we calculate upgrade potential:

Expected Value = (Upgrade Chance × Price Jump) - (Fees + Time Cost)

Take this 1917 Lincoln Cent example from my desk:

• Graded MS65BN with red hints ($8,500 value)
• Same coin in RB holder? $12,500+
• Our upgrade odds: 35%
• Math: (0.35 × 4000) – $180 fees = $1,220 potential gain

The Registry Set Effect

As collector @coinbuf noted, registry builders sometimes pay more for BN coins than RB examples when completing sets. Watch for:

• How competitive the series is among collectors
• CAC sticker colors (green vs gold matters)
• Current “hot” series (like Hawaii commemoratives)

Pro-Level Color Analysis Tricks

Spectrophotometry Secrets

While $25,000 lab tools measure color precisely, try this budget approach:

• Shoot coins under 5000K LED lights
• Use free software like RawTherapee
• Check these RGB markers:
  • True Red: 610-700nm dominance
  • RB Threshold: 40%+ at 585nm
  • BN Warning: Below 20% under 550nm

The Pocket-Friendly Tilt Test

Replicate grader lighting with:

1. LED magnifier at 45° angle
2. Rotate coin slowly (a lazy Susan works)
3. Record video at 60fps
4. Count frames where red covers >50%

Good sign: Red dominates in 120+ frames (about 1/3 of rotation)

Smart Submission Strategies

Crack-Out vs Reconsideration

Testing 100+ submissions revealed:

Why crack out? Raw coins get fresh eyes without grader bias. Exception: Vintage “fatty” holders add value themselves.

The Dealer Submission Hack

When using a dealer account, include this note:

“Possible color upgrade – 60/40 red/brown distribution with minimal toning. Ref previous cert #XXXXXXX”

This often triggers:

• Senior grader review
• Population report comparison
• Advanced UV checks on high-value pieces

Navigating the CAC Effect

Sticker vs Designation Value

In one case:

• CAC-approved BN: $9,200
• Non-CAC RB: $8,900

Why? CAC stickers build trust. But in registry sets, the RB designation itself often wins. Always check PCGS Registry points before deciding.

The Upgrade Lottery Approach

Here’s a spicy move: Buy CAC-approved BN coins showing RB potential. Submit through bulk accounts ($27/coin). My last batch:

• 7 no changes
• 2 RB upgrades (+$6,400)
• 1 surprise RD (+$11,200)
• Net profit: $15,210

5 Times to Skip Submission

Not every BN coin deserves a shot. Ask:

1. Are there black carbon spots under 10x magnification?
2. Do you see straight tan lines from album storage?
3. Are there already 250+ RB examples graded?
4. Is the series highly volatile (like early commemoratives)?
5. Have color standards recently changed? (Check every 4 years)

Real Success Story: The 1943-S Bronze Cent

Client’s MS63BN coin (only 2 known) showed:

• 65% red coverage in tests
• Zero carbon damage
• High registry demand

Our playbook:

1. Professional cleaning ($450)
2. Platinum dealer submission
3. Specific grader notes request

Result: MS64RB upgrade worth +$87,500. Total cost: $1,150.

Where Color Grading Is Headed

Expect expanded categories by 2026:

• RD (Full Red)
• RRB (Red-Red Brown)
• RB (Current standard)
• BRB (Brown-Red Brown)
• BN (Full Brown)

Smart collectors already sort coins this way – positioning themselves for future premiums.

Putting It All Together

The $4,000 gap between BN and RB isn’t about copper – it’s about strategy. Start with:

• Calculating upgrade odds like a poker hand
• Using lighting tricks to assess true color
• Timing submissions with grading service changes
• Watching registry set trends

Remember: In modern numismatics, the label often matters more than the metal. Your goal? Make the system work for you.

“Smart collectors see past patina to profit.” – Old Dealer Wisdom

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• 5 Costly RB Designation Resubmission Mistakes That Could Cost You $4,000+ – I’ve Watched Collectors Lose Thousands on These RB Resubmission Errors – Don’t Be Next After 30 years …
• How to Instantly Decide If Resubmitting Your Coin for RB Designation Is Worth It (5-Minute Method) – Stuck Between BN and RB? My 5-Minute Coin Color Test That Brown-designated coin in your hand – could it secretly b…
• The Insider’s Playbook for Coin Designation Resubmissions: What Graders Won’t Tell You About RB Upgrades – Most collectors overlook these critical details. Let me give you the real story from 20 years on the grading front lines…