I have found these codes to be really helpful in understanding what PCGS thought about a problem coin. The only one I don't understand is code 96. I have an 1877 Seated Quarter that came back code 96 "No Service / Refund" The coin is proper size and weight and I had figured it would come back as AU Details Cleaned. The fields of the coin have a frosty look that does not carry over to the devices. I thought it was just a coin that had one dip too many or it was a counterfeit. I guess I should be happy there were no fees. Any thoughts on what PCGS dumps into the 96 code? Their site is not much help. I'll image the coin someday but not now. Thanks for your thoughts.
Just to speculate… Maybe they shared your confusion about exactly seems odd about this coin, and just decided that they could not decide? I can see the graders huddled around saying “I dunno, whadda you think?”. So they decided not to venture an opinion at all.
It was my understanding that they used code 86 when they couldn't guarantee that the coin is genuine, but also don't have have definitive proof that the coin is not genuine. The code 96 seems redundant relative to 86 so I have no clue what they use it for. I think your only way to find out would be to call PCGS and somehow get passed the front line idiots who answer the phone, and get someone in grading to check the grader's note on why the coin didn't grade. I would rather write a letter and wait for a response than go through that phone call.
If you submit a coin with lamination issues under the Error service level you won’t get code 83. From what I can see your Indian cent looks great Larry!
