Don't worry. I'm thick-skinned. If it came back with a 63PPQ grade, then I would be ecstatic (check the catalog value). However, I think I see a very light fold line in the portrait (through the right eye and to the right of the mouth). If, indeed, that is a fold line, then the note may have been pressed, which would kill the PPQ designation and may bring the grade to a 58. There is also a little staining at upper center. For comparison, here is a 58PPQ:
Looking at the Minneapolis $500, the back of the note shows a corner fold (upper right), and the front show a small crease/handling mark at a 45 degree angle just above the left serial number. The note has a stain, front-to rear in the upper center, and the corners are not super sharp. The centering, both front and rear have issues. So, I'd say 55-58PPQ, (Almost Uncirculated)
I am thinking 58 will be the grade but as Steve pointed out the issues I also noted, I think 55 would be how I would grade it if I was looking to buy it.
From the PCGS Currency pamphlet: Choice About New 58 A Choice About New 58 note will typically appear to be a Choice New or better note, with one or two light corner bends or folds that reach into the design of the note. A light vertical bend down the middle of an otherwise Choice New or better note would also qualify a note for this grade. Choice About New 55 A note in the grade will appear New at first glance, but will have a bent corner or light vertical fold that will keep it from uncirculated grade. Two light vertical bends are acceptable for this grade, as long as the surface of the paper is not broken. More than one light fold or crease will drop the note into a lower grade.
Look,s like this would be a good candidate for a slider note which lays across several Grading area,s from high A/U to M/S but going strictly by book definition can Be tricky per other notes posted in this thread!
I'll defer to PCGS Currency since it was their statement. http://www.panix.com/~clay/currency/PCGS-Grading.pdf
I think the stuff Steve mentioned and what looks like some handling marks on the right (obv) and left (rev). From the pics I have tried to mark the areas I see as issues or potential issues from the pics. That's where I get my grade from. Cannot wait to see how it grades!
They have a special on 5's this month It's called "Fives in February"....but I believe the specials MAY take a while longer than normal.
I,am a 99.9% PCGS guy i think what there saying with the art part anyway is eye appeal! And that just throws another wrench in to the grading process so anybody that is trying To go on grade explanation alone will be left out in left field!
I am looking forward to more as well, those coin threads are so boring. For the 500 I would grade lower then most, the staining is a killer in my opinion. I go with 50.