My first thought was proof but the reverse image changed my mind. I'm at AU or 63 PL if not a details grade.
At least it had some time to re tone after it was first cleaned. On another note, that reverse strike must be terrible, assuming it isn't wear. PCGS probably called it PR-62, but I would personally call it a PR-61.
At what point does a hairline become a full on impairing scratch? I really don't like the neck and really wonder what you guys think about this. It is one reason I posted this gtg so I could learn the break point between an acceptable hairline and unacceptable grade impairing scratch.
Well seeing that it's a proof not a pl business strike as I inttially thought I'll say Pf 58 I'm real surprised how weak the reverse strike is on a proof. Part of why I thought it a pl business strike that and the rims don't look as squared as usual for a proof
So here it is This brings me to the concept of market grading. My personal dislike is I feel it makes a transaction harder. When presented with a market graded coin the seller is very likely to ask for a premium on the premium. For example, a Morgan graded 65 because of toning. The seller is not going to say it should sell at 65 for market grading they will ask for a premium over 65 when giving the grade itself is the premium for the grade. My thoughts about tpg grading is it was supposed to simplify trading. No more "I think it is a 65, I think it is a 63" type arguments. I know this is a basic view and maybe not correct but by having the coin market graded the seller will want that toning premium on top of the extra value given by market grading. I understand that someone can ask for too much money no matter what the situation but I think this unnecessarily complicates the situation.
I agree completely with this statement. In a perfect world, coins would all be graded on the same criteria regardless of what they consider as eye appeal. To me, it should come down to strike, wear (or contact marks for MS or PR coins) and that's it. Leave pricing to the buyer and seller.
Well, is the scratch on the coin or on the holder. If it is still in the holder from the Benson sale then it has been in that holder since 2002, or thereabouts, if memory serves correct. That can be a long time to accumulate scratches on a holder.