1803 Large Cent

Hi dsfreeworld and thank you for your kind words.

To answer your question as to what premium if any do increasing 'R' ratings deserve among copper collectors - it varies from collector to collector and from variety to variety. BUT, it is generally acknowledged among copper collectors that only R4 and above merit significant premiums.

Of course, there are many exceptions to that - for example, S-264 is R4+ and yet it commands multiples of what S-261 at R4 brings.
Another one is S-48 (1794 with Starred Reverse) - it is 'only' R-5, yet even an ag3 specimen will cost a collector up to $10K.
There are more such examples.
Maybe other copper fans can add their own comments to these.

Hi westcoin, good idea about the Verdi-care. I have some of that stuff and will give it a try. Interestingly, the areas of corrosion around the date only became visible when I tike a photo of the coin. On hand you cannot see them.

Regarding the brushing of coppers - I have often read about it, and actually bought a camels hair brush and some Coin-Care at Summer FUN a couple of years ago. But, I have never done it, and would be very curious to try. I have an S-82 which was lacquered when I bought it, and inexplicably decided to strip away the lacker a few years ago. I regret that because what lay beneath is not lifeless and dull looking. Everybody makes mistakes......would definitely like to brush and restore that otherwise scarce S-82 to restore some of the appeal.