Abstract: An article, particularly a metallic article, is coated with a multi-layer coating having the color or appearance of dark copper. The coating comprises a chromium, refractory metal or refractory metal alloy adhesion promoting layer, a titanium-zirconium alloy nitride or titanium-zirconium alloy carbonitride protective and color layer, and a titanium-zirconium alloy oxide or titanium-zirconium oxynitride color enhancing layer.