Expert: Neil S Berman - 11/29/2004

Question
what do people mean by "red" ?  does it mean that the coin in question has been appraised?
or does it mean it contains certain metals?


Answer
Dear Jennifer. Red, literally, is the color of brand new bronze or copper coins. As the oxidize they get darker until they are brown or even black. Oil from your hands, chemicals from paper containers or the air will change the metals color. Our early cents are made of copper and the small cents of bronze. Regards. N.