Beginner’s Guide to Deciding When to Resubmit Your Coin for an RB Designation

Your Beginner’s Guide to Coin Colors and RB Resubmission Decisions

Just starting your coin collecting journey? Let’s walk through color designations together. We’ll cover when resubmitting for that Red Brown (RB) label might be worth considering – without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

The $4,000 Coin Question That Keeps Collectors Up at Night

Picture this: You’ve got a copper coin graded MS65 Brown (BN), but you swear you see reddish tones. The difference between BN and RB? About $4,000 in potential value. Should you resubmit? We’ll help you understand the factors that matter most.

Coin Color Basics Every New Collector Should Know

Grading services use three main labels for copper coins:

• RD (Red): Shows at least 95% original color
• RB (Red Brown): Between 15-95% red tones
• BN (Brown): Less than 15% red remains

These aren’t random guesses – graders use special lighting and comparison coins. What’s tricky? Your eyes might see more red than the grader did. Many beginners are surprised how much lighting affects a coin’s appearance.

Why Your Kitchen Light Lies About Coin Colors

Three things change how we see coins:

• Light bulbs matter: Daylight vs. warm bulbs change everything
• Natural aging: Copper keeps darkening over time
• Viewing angle: Tilt the coin and colors shift

“I’ve held RB coins that looked completely red under bright lights – it’s why photos can be misleading” – Seasoned Collector

Why That Tiny Label Makes a Big Price Difference

Labels dramatically affect values. Here’s what you might see at auction:

• MS65BN: $5,000
• MS65RB: $9,000
• MS65RD: $15,000+

Why such big jumps?

1. Complete collections often require specific labels
2. New buyers rely heavily on these designations
3. Auctions use them for sorting searches

The Label Effect You Should Know About

Here’s something interesting: A BN coin upgraded to RB often sells for almost RB prices even if it looks the same. This “label boost” explains why many collectors take the resubmission chance.

5 Coin Color Myths That Trip Up Beginners

Let’s clear up common misunderstandings:

1. “The label tells you exactly what you see”

Actually, many RB coins sell near RD prices if they look exceptional. Labels are minimum guarantees, not exact color measurements.

2. “Serious collectors don’t care about labels”

Even experts use them as starting points. As one collector shared: “Good buyers know some BN coins in RB holders still command RB prices.”

3. “Color labels last forever”

Copper keeps changing! I’ve watched RB coins turn more brownish over several years sitting in collections.

4. “Online photos show true color”

Digital images often distort reality. Monitor settings and camera quality dramatically affect what you see on screen.

5. “A higher designation always means more money”

Sometimes a quality BN coin with CAC approval beats a regular RB example. Other factors matter too.

Should You Resubmit? Your Step-by-Step Checklist

Use this beginner-friendly approach:

1. Check current label – BN coins showing 25-40% red have best upgrade potential
2. Research real prices – Check recent auctions, not old price guides
3. Consider alternatives – Sometimes chasing a “+” grade pays better
4. Add up costs – Grading fees typically run $50-150 per coin
5. Time it right – Submit when grading companies are less busy

When the Math Says “Go For It”

Let’s break down our earlier example:

• Potential gain: $4,000
• Resubmission cost: $75
• Estimated success: 20% chance

Simple math: ($4,000 × 0.20) – $75 = $725 expected value

“For a potential $4K jump, why not try? The cost is minimal compared to the upside” – Collectors’ Forum Wisdom

The CAC Sticker Advantage for New Collectors

Those green stickers add credibility:

• CAC-approved BN coins often bring 15-25% more
• The sticker confirms quality within the grade
• Many buyers prefer CAC-approved BN over non-CAC RB

As one forum member asked: “Would you take a 65BN/CAC over a 65RB without CAC?” This shows how third-party approval changes everything.

A Smart Two-Step Move Some Collectors Use

Here’s a strategy worth noting:

1. First get CAC approval
2. Then resubmit for grading

Many find this increases upgrade chances because graders notice that CAC sticker.

Looking Ahead: Where Coin Colors Might Go Next

The collecting world is discussing new categories:

• RRB (Red-Red Brown) for nearly-red coins
• BRB (Brown-Red Brown) for BN coins with strong red
• Special labels for uniquely toned coins

Some “BN” coins with beautiful toning already sell for premium prices when they catch the right buyer’s eye.

Putting It All Together: Your Resubmission Roadmap

Key takeaways for your collecting journey:

• Prices reflect market perceptions as much as actual color
• Resubmit when potential gains outweigh costs
• CAC approval significantly boosts perceived value
• Always view coins in natural light before deciding

Our original $4,000 question? While upgrade odds might be low, the math suggests trying. Remember what veteran collectors say: “The only real cost is the submission fee – the potential reward makes it worth a shot.” Approach these decisions calmly, and you’ll make smarter choices for your collection.

Related Resources

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