MS 65 ...the toning and the light make it a bit hard to see the fields and cheek...it may even be a 66 if it’s a newer holder
The stuff on the cheek look like luster abrasions rather than contact marks, and the thing above the eagle’s head looks like a strikethrough. MS-65
I'm not surprised. Whenever I see massive fingerprints in prime focal areas, such as on this coin, I reflexively deduct a grade because I find them significantly unattractive. Many others are not bothered by them, however. 65 is a fair grade.
I have a very difficult time with fingerprints as well. Large ones will make me pass on a coin no matter how attractive the toning or anything else, they are just FAR too distracting to my eye.
Because it still has all of the original mint luster. Believe it or not just touching a coin does not take it out of "Mint State". A coin can even enter circulation for a brief period and still be "Mint State". It all comes down to wear or lack thereof.
Impaired luster does not make a coin circ. The luster needs to be completely worn off to the base metal. However, coins like that are in UNC slabs. And, that's because the TPG's are not grading coins, they are "worthing" them. Thus, a "grade" of MS65 does not mean the coin is in that state of preservation, but rather that the TPG graders feel it is worth 65 money. They are appraising coins , not grading them. That's what "market grading" is. BTW, that appraisal can go up and down depending on market conditions. I think most of the stuff graded in the ridiculous market of 2000 - 2008 is overvalued by at least a full point and in many cases two or more. I am constantly amazed at how many collectors do not understand this.
The luster is indeed worn completely off the high points. Regardless of what you want to believe, that is still impaired luster