I recently had this shockaroo from NGC; an 1859 Indian cent I figured around MS63 that graded as a spot removed coin: NGC cert. number for image, 3720131-001. This is the first time I have seen this designation. Have others had this purple holder designation?
OK, they did specify obverse spot removal, I guess it's ok when they remove copper spots from gold coins that leave shadows of the former spots but not ok if someone else does it; too bad they don't have a copper coin spot removal service, don't know if that would be feasible.
Not an uncommon designation. Good spot removal won't be caught by TPGs, but if done correctly, the coin can pass grading. Although, I'd use the TPGs' own "conservation" services if you want it done correctly.
So they will remove spots on copper coins? I had this other 1859 Indian cent that graded MS64, but had a reverse spot so was hard to sell; http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251305289103&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT I ended selling it to a wholesale buyer for a little over Bluesheet.
Some spots can be removed without harming the coin and some cannot. But if it is done incorrectly it always damages the coin. That's why if you don't really know what you are doing it is always best to just leave the coins alone.
I have no idea who removed the spot (assuming that NGC is certain on this). I almost never touch the surfaces of a coin.
Anyone who owned the coin between 1859 and the day before you bought it could have removed the spot...
