R Rainbow Toning Term for toning which is usually seen on silver dollars stored in bags. The “colors of the rainbow” are represented, stating with pale yellow, to green, to red, to blue, and sometimes fading to black. Rare A relative term indicating that a coin within a series is very difficult to find. Also, a coin with only a few examples known. A rare Lincoln cent may have thousands known while a relatively common pattern may only have a few dozen known. Rarity The number of specimens extant of any particular numismatic item. This can be the total number of extant specimens or the number of examples in a particular grade and higher. (This is referred to as condition rarity.) RB Short for red and brown or Red-Brown. Red-Brown A copper coin that has from 5 to 95 percent of its original mint color remaining (RB). Redbook First issued in 1947, this yearly price guide has been the “bible” of printed numismatic retail price guides. Reverse The back, or tails side, of a coin. Usually opposite the date side. |