Learn Grading: What are BN, RB and RD?

NGC uses a numeric grade to succinctly describe a problem-free coin's condition. Certain coins, however, require a more nuanced description of their condition and appearance. For these coins, NGC graders follow the numeric grade with a range of designations, often called "Strike Characters."

Among the most common strike characters are those used for copper coins. When copper coins are struck, they typically display distinctive red luster. Over time, this red luster fades and eventually turns to a rich brown patina. NGC uses three primary strike characters after the numeric grade to describe the amount of red and brown present on the coin's surfaces: "RD" (for red), "RB" (for red brown) and "BN" (for brown).

A coin with a RD strike character must exhibit at least 85% of its original red luster.

A coin with red (RD) luster. Click images to enlarge.

A coin with an RB strike character must exhibit at least 15% of its original red luster.

A coin with a red-brown (RB) appearance. Click images to enlarge.

A coin will a BN strike character will exhibit less than 15% of its original red luster.

A coin with brown (BN) patina. Click images to enlarge.

The copper coin strike characters can also be combined with other strike characters, such as "Cameo" and "Ultra Cameo" (which are used for select Proof coins) and "PL" (for Prooflike) and "DPL" (for Deep Prooflike). When combined with PL, the copper strike characters will print as BNP, RBP or RDP. When combined with DPL, the copper strike characters will appear as BND, RBD or RDD.

The full list of strike characters used for copper coins is as follows:

NGC assigns strike characters automatically as part of its normal grading process for no additional fee. Please note that brass coins, which contain a small amount of copper, are not assigned copper strike characters.

A 1943 Bronze Cent, graded MS 62 BN. Click image to enlarge.

Coins with certain strike characters are often more highly prized by collectors. As a result, strike characters are separated on different lines for each coin in the NGC Census to give a better understanding of its relative rarity.

Many collectors often ask whether Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS), an independent affiliate of NGC, can professionally conserve a coin to increase the amount of red present on its surfaces (and therefore change the coin's strike character). The answer is no — a coin's change from red to red brown to brown is a permanent process that cannot be reversed. Certain amateur restorers attempt to alter a coin's color, but professionals consider these attempts to be detrimental and coins with altered color are ineligible for numeric grading. (These coins may be eligible for NGC Details grading. Learn more > )

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