I wonder what the story is behind this

I would say by the wear and hits on the rim. That is my best guess.

 

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I haven't handled enough planchettes to know but aren't they devoid of luster since they've never been struck? How can a grader determine an XF from AU or MS?

This is why they're paid the big bucks. And with the picture you just posted @okbustchaser why didn't they give it a RB/BN designation as well? It sure doesn't look RD to me.