Expert: Joe Hylas - 11/22/2006

Question
What does M567Br stand for?  Some websites talk about the coloring, red vs
brown pennies...which is better?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----

My father is a small time coin collector and is missing the 1909 svdb penny
for
his colletion.  He told me it is too expensive.  I wanted to suprise him with it
for
Christmas, but am confused with all of the different letters/numbers that
distinguish the different 1909 pennies. Please clarify the differences and do
you
have any recommendation of where to buy the penny?
-----Answer-----
Hi Julie,
First off, the S is the mintmark designating San Francisco as the origin the
coin was struck at.  VDB are the initials of the designer, Victor D. Brenner, and
they are located on the reverse of the coin at the very bottom.
A coin that is in "decent" condition will cost you about $1200 and that is NOT
in mint condition.  Coins in mint condition are a few thousand dollars.
I can supply a very nice example for $1200.  If you would like to place an
order, call me toll free at 800-474-6960.  We do accept credit cards so you
can pay it off over time.
Regards
Joe Hylas
Omega Precious Metals
www.AllCoins.US

Answer
Hi Julie,
MS-67 relateds to the numerical grade.  Coins are graded from 0-70 with 70 being the ultimate perfect coin, of which few exist.  Coins graded uncirculated (Mint State) are assigned a grade between MS-60 and MS-70.
When it comes to copper coins, they are also designated by color.  Since copper coins when new are bright red in color, those are the most desirable.  As the red begins to fade simply from exposure to the elements, it goes from RED to Red/Brown (RB) then to Brown (BN).  And they are priced accoringly.
For example:
1909-S VDB Cent in MS-67 RED is $100,000 but one grade lower, MS-66 Red is worth just $15,000 and MS-65 Red is worth about $8,500
A MS-64 Red is $5,000 but an MS-64 Red/Brown is $3,000

So, you see that there is a difference in value based not just on numerical grade but also on color.  Humidity also plays a factor in how the coins survive and the color they may later develope into.  Typically, copper coins will maintain their original red mint color if dry environments.  Many collectors who live along the coast know  that the red coin they have today may become a red/brown or even a brown over time simply because of the environment they live in.
If you are interested in a "TRUE" mint state coin, expect to spend anywhere from $2500 and up.  We do have them available as well as the $1200 coin I spoke about earlier.  For the average collector, the $1200 piece is the centerpiece of theri collection.
Let me know if I can be of more service.

Regards
Joe Hylas
WWW.AllCoins.US
Omega Precious Metals, Inc.
800-474-6960