I don't have a reputable collection of 19th-century coins, but of the ones that I do possess, this is by far the closest one to mint state that I have. I'd just like to get your opinions on what PCGS or NGC might slab this as. Thanks in advance.
How's the luster in-hand? Does it cartwheel like a new coin? That asked, the tilted photos make it extremely difficult to get a feel for the surface quality. All of the above said, I'd guess 63 or 64 [NOTE: the above guess is based on PCGS/NGC grading standards, and are not a comment as to the validity or consistency of said standards. ]
What did you do the photo? It looks like you used the desaturate function on photoshop. And while that may help with focus and details, it completely changes the overall appearance of the coin which you need to accurately determine the grade. It makes it harder to discern bag marks from luster grazes and eliminates the appearance of luster. In addition, the coin is at too much of an angle to properly evaluate the surfaces. Now that I have made all my disclaimers, I would give it a solid MS64 with an outside shot at MS65 depending on the luster and appearance of the surfaces directly.
When veteran collectors see photos like this on eBay, the first thought that usually comes to mind is, "What are they trying to hide?" There are a couple of hits near Liberty's eye that may limit it to MS64, tops. Chris
Are they black and white images? The pics show the details great, but don't show the luster at all. Looks like the coin is free of big hits, but it seems to have a number of light luster grazes, and possibly frost breaks. Looks MS to me, but I couldn't say much else without more pics.
In certain lighting, especially black and white, and also when the contrast is increased, light hits and luster grazes can be magnified, and in certain areas look like wear. Also frost breaks in this lighting can look like wear. Here's a pic of an MS67 Morgan, I turned the pics black and white and upped the contrast, as an example: Also frost breaks, which can be found on the devices of the coin aren't wear. Here's an example, notice the change in color on many of the raised portions of the coin (Eagle's breats, stars, lettering).