Several years ago I had a 1911-D graded with PCGS. They used it for their coin facts picture at the time. It has since been replaced with higher graded ones, but is still in their archives. I compared it tonight to the higher graded ones, and it has better shoulder details than every higher graded one, and the details in the head piece are better too IMO. Any chance it could upgrade if I sent it again? It is the last one, the XF45. http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/CoinImages.aspx?s=7954
I'd say based off the pictures your right about the other coins having less detail. Your coin is much cleaner not only on the eagles shoulder but imo the cheek of the Indian as well. May be worth the gamble of cracking out and resubmitting in hopes of an upgrade.
And I was just comparing mine to the 1911-D STONG Ds. My D is just as visible as most of the strong D coins in comparable grades. Wonder if I would have a shot at getting a strong D. The mint mark is the only part of these coins above the surface, so it wears faster.
I find these things wicked hard to grade, but I'd say yours compares favorably to the AU50 on that page.
No shot at Strong D . . . possible upgrade to AU, but I'd carefully consider the possibility that it comes back AU Details. The coin is not very original . . . traces of deep toning are well-protected in the recesses of the design, yet the the rest of the coin is bright yellow. - Mike
