That is the toughest year in the 56-64 date range to find a Type B, and it also carries the greatest premium. Congrats! TC
Results are in. I got it today and some good news and some so-so. It is indeed a type B and it is MS. It's got outstanding luster but a couple three unfortunate hits might keep it from being a gem or better. Can't complain too much though for what i got it for.
Good, valid question. That second set of images (nice images nonetheless), they also make me see the possibility of it being a proof, as TC brings up. No offense to the OP, as the '56 in 65 and 66 IS the KEY to this variety, abd it does have great luster.....but as far as an MS grade, if it IS an MS coin, those marks on the neck alone, on the obverse, could even keep it out of a 65 holder (if the obverse was as nice as the reverse, I could see a 65, assuming it's an unc coin, but it isn't an MS65). The print behind Washies head is a turn-off for me as well. I've got a half feeling that, based upon the second set of images, it could be a proof...we all know grading from a pic is tough, but that second set of images (nice images nonetheless), it also makes me see the possibility of it being a proof, as TC brings up. I don't see it getting into an MS65 holder (at either PCGS or NGC), and those marks on the neck could be scratches, negating a numerical grade from the 2 important TPG's, though, it may be able to from ICG or ANACS, but the value drops considerably in those 2 holders. I hate saying it, because it IS a VERY tough variety to find in gem, but I don't see this in a 65 holder.....and, again, like TC brings up, there is a possibility it COULD be a proof, by second set of images.
Well, if just lighting experimentation, and it is an unc coin, it could still have trouble getting a gem grade. Though, even in MS64, it's tough to get. I'd hold off grading/attributing, due to the fees...for now, until the variety's popularity becomes more widespread. Still, a lusterous coin, and a nice pick-up for a very tough variety (as far as the date), but those marks on the neck are worrisome to me, grade wise. The major TPG's are very tough on this variety in gem grade and higher. Took me ALOT of searching to find this date worthy to get into a PCGS 66 holder. Only 5 MS66's there and 1 NGC MS66 (I have found one that should 66 at PCGS, but if not, the pop in MS66 at NGC will change to 2, as I find they are a bit looser grading these than PCGS...not a kool aid drinker, but I feel more comfortable with these in PCGS holders, due to their being tight grading them). But keep searching....MS65 is a good, as well as elusive, grade for this date. Too bad about that obverse. If you are considering grading it, I'd keep it out of an ICG or ANACS holder....there seems to be no respect for them, as they are known for overgrading by at least 1-2 points (ICG is very famous for this...I've got 3 Type B's in ICG MS67 (not '56's), and they won't even cross at PCGS as MS66's, meaning they are no better than MS65's, a 2 point drop....ANACS averages over 90% overgrade by 1 point...yes, I have done the math.....as well as pay the 'tuition'...this variety, in ANACS and ICG should be treated as raw, IMO).
