Here is a picture of a typical rod…. they are usually contained inside a cylinder with an access cover to protect them. On the outer edge of the access cover is the PID or ID to ensure you found the correct one.

Image of rod inside an access cover

Access cover closed protecting metal rod
Another type of rod that is more difficult to verify as there are no markings and can be confused for property markers (Hence proof of measurments matching up with the origina description is crucial) that we have come across are actual metal rods….

This particular one was 9 inches below ground.
You will need to read the description. It should mention what you are looking for – a metal rod or the access covered metal rods. From experience, the first example are the most numerous now a days. As we like to call them, the “micros” of benchmarking as they are plentiful, usually easy to find and right off the road.
Good Luck!