Have you ever noticed a cleaned coin in a top TPG holder without a "details" notation? I've seen a few older coins, early 1800s, where the cleaning seemed evident (it helps to take them outdoors on a sunny day). Do the top grading companies (not talking about any TPG companies below the top tier) give older coins a pass for cleanings that would put a modern coin in a body bag? What would they do if you brought the cleaning to their attention?
Yes, some coins in top TPG holders have undoubtably been harshly cleaned. There are a variety of reasons for this and sometimes even explanations. PCGS even states that they will slab "lightly cleaned" coins. Of course the definition of "lightly cleaned" is up to PCGS to decide - not you and me. It seems to be prevalent with early US coins and coins of a given rarity or higher value are often given more leeway. Example - a Bust Half that has been lightly cleaned will not even be given a second glance. But a Franklin half that has had a single, small wipe will be body-bagged. Well, used to be body-bagged, now they get a Genuine or details holder. As for what they would do, depends. But most times they will just say the coin is acceptable. In rare cases they will honor their guarantee.
ALso what you have to keep in mind is that TPG's don't grade on a technical scale. TPGS grade according to whats called "Market Grading" it's very hard to find a 100% orig. 1794 dollar as it was the practice in the 19th century to clean coins, so as long as the coin wasn't scrubbed with a wire brush but lightly cleaned it is usually considered market acceptable.
