This is the type of coin that gives me trouble trying to grade. I look at the hair over the ear and can't decide whether the strike was a bit weak or it's a slight rub. That difference makes the coin either AU-58 or a nice MS-64 or 65.
I went with AU58 for some reason. Don't ask me why. Are the absence of denticles around 4 o'clock normal?
The obverse lacks the luster the reverse has, very few nicks, nice coin. MS-62 might be slightly better. Good luck.
Au. 53-55 definitely has wear,as well other plachet issues lamination peel, or hot spot from the image its difficult to read. Possibly cleaned looking at the lettering and dirt in the letters of Liberty as well on the rev.
I posted this one on the PCGS forum. It is now in an NGC MS-62, Brown holder. I bought it from Gimbels Department Store in Philadelphia as a VF.
I'd still like to know what's going on with the denticles around 4 o'clock. Is that just a weak strike?
The 1853s are pretty notorious for having weak strike issues but also many coins are fully struck with sharp details and dentils. The speculation is that the mint was having trouble getting press pressure correct for any of several possible reasons. like mechanical problems, operator problems, etc. @lordmarcovan's coin, however, is pretty well struck with the reverse being a little stronger than the obverse. The weak dentils from K2 to K5 is due to worn dies and is very typical of Die State 2 in this year.
