This 1804 C-2 (a very rare variety) is owned by an acquaintance of mine, and we have been debating whether a 2nd submission would make sense. Check out the Trueview and see for yourself. What I can say is that while it does have env. damage, it's mostly uniform and light, with nice chocolate even color overall, and the obverse pin scratch is faded such that it's invisible to the naked eye. What does everyone think? https://www.pcgs.com/cert/46685476
TPGS survive on silly submissions. CRH pay $$ to certify damaged pocket change and ejection doubled wishes. Folks who should know better send scratched, cleaned, corroded, or damaged coins to each service trying to get a straight grade; and 100% correctly graded coins get sent in for "no-in-your-life upgrades. If I could remember any, there may be one or two times I straight graded a coin with a "details" grade from ANACS, NGC, PCGS, or ICG. This FACT does not apply to any new TPGS. I see no chance for the corroded half cent.
Not an expert but would be shocked if that piece straight graded. I am predominantly an ancient collector nowadays, so I like the coin and the surface does not bother me, but it would never be what anyone would expect from a US straight graded piece ignoring the scratch.
When I was active in this area, collectors preferred these coins raw. Coin investors are most drawn to slabs. This is not a coin for investors.
I don't think it will straight grade. If your friend isn't happy with it, it could find a nice home in my safe. Barry Murphy
This is a piece that I would advocate cracking out, and preserving it in an album. If I was of a mind to sell, I would place it on the EAC site.
But I bet you've straight-graded numerous raw coins that were prior in problem slabs. Makes no sense to crossover problem slabs. For many coins it's a very thin line between problem and problem free.
Here's the thing, IMO. If, and that's a HUGE IF, it somehow did straight grade, number 1, I'd be shocked. Number 2, I'd avoid that holdered straight graded 1/2 cent anyway because, in my untrained, non-professional eye, I know it is a code 97 and I'd say the TPG'er must have been asleep or intoxicated when they graded it. That coin is not a 'close' contender for straight grading. It is blatantly obvious it is inflicted with environmental damage. I apologize for the harsh response, but you asked for honest opinions.
This is where you went off the rails. "Possibly some" would be a better bet. I have not had the "last word" on a coin's grade since I was hired by NGC in the late 1990's. My line between straight & problem is virtually non-existent. I look for any "problems" very carefully, list them in the comments, and let the finalizers decide.