Would like to purchase a $20 SG

For comparison, here’s my 1923 Saint
in M/S 63

 

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Here you go

 

So, as per the above, the merits of IN HAND appraisal definitely is shown here. It might technically grade to MS-65, but lower grades could certainly be more appealing with less marks.
It sure makes me wish I were near a BIG show!
Thank you all for your expert input on this piece! I’ve alot to learn.

 

The 1924 is plentiful and there are many beautiful examples. Maybe this one has uber-luster, but I can't see it as a 65. there are just too many marks on the obv and the rev too, look at the sun, afflicted with sunspots.

 

Surface marks don't determine whether a coin is MS or not, that depends on wear. And, I don't see any on this coin.

 

Grading is very subjective, I grade, cross grade in currency over the years have
done it several times, I personally found that a higher graded note/coin isnt always
as friendly from an aesthetics point of view, especially in currency I collect and invest in military payment I found and it holds mostly true to coins, that A/U grades
53-58 hold great value very pleasing to the eye and not as marked up like some lower MS grades, but I am a little surprised by the grade though,
as there is allot going on in the obverse.

 

I completely agree; a barely marked 58 would be much preferred over this coin.

 

I'm stunned it's an MS-65, but less so from the 2nd shot of photos. Aside from the facial gash, the coin looks much better.

Here's my MS-65 1924 Saint:

 

That holder was from 2020 onward. Surprised that the coin got an MS-65....it is possible that like Kevin says it looks much better in-hand.

 

The high points on Liberty's knee and the Eagles breast appear to be wear, but it COULD be the photos. The facial gash (?) could be a bag mark but if so it's really extreme for a bag mark/bag gash.

 

Always hard to grade from a photo, lighting, shadows marks on the holder
if you dont have it in hand, kind of a judgment call.

 

I have "linked" MS66 examples here that wouldn't meet the 1977 standard for MS60 grade with horrific bag marks/rub, lackluster, etc., as was affirmed also by a very prominent OP who often posts his graded DE specimens.

I especially purchase properly 1977 standard graded 1923-D MS66 coins, and couldn't find a proper specimen available on the internet.

 

I believe if you look at post 15, the MS65 specimen without "bag rub" is a modern at least "C" MS66!

 

I posted pics of my MS-66 1923-D on another thread here.

 

Let me also say this: if whoever buys a coin LIKES IT, that's all that matters. We can all quibble...and maybe the buyer himself knows he could have gotten a nicer coin....but we're not looking for perfection here (unless Bob Simpson and Elite Collection post here )....so just be happy with the coin and enjoy it.