MS or AU? 1916-D Wheat Cent

I was doing guess the grade on MyCollect to sharpen my grading skills and I came across the coin below. I guessed it was AU-58, but turns out it was graded MS-64. It really looks worn to me on Lincoln's beard and cheek. What do you think?

 

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I am a little more lenient than you on this one. I am a 58 on this one. The luster is still full just a little dull. That cheek and jaw is just the strike. Luster is even for the coin.

 

Gauge on E and N in CENT, slight gauge on nose, scratches in field on both sides. Otherwise, mid to high AU in my opinion, nice coin thanks for sharing.

 

AU to me but a very nice looking coin.

 

Right on the border of AU58- MS60. Really sharp Lincoln cent!

 

I feel they got it right. The reverse wheat stalks are the primary reason, the obverse seems a bit weak (later die strike) but also within an MS64BN grade.

 

We may never know why it got a MS64, but late die strike or no it appears to be AU58. Both sides look slightly worn.

One other thing I see is a multitude of micro contact marks on both sides, which to me points at either slight circulation or mishandling.

 

I’d have to go AU.

 

It appears to have what they used to call “envelope friction.” Technically it’s a classic AU. Market grading would say it’s MS-62 Brown. I think it should sell for low end Unc. money. Some technical Mint State pieces don’t look this nice.

 

To expand on what I posted previously. If you sell for mint luster on the piece in the fields with a look like this, it is Mint State. The very highest points might be little dulled by toning, but it's still Unc. IMO.

The purists at EAC call this coin an AU-55. PCGS graded it MS-63, Brown and CAC approved it. To me grading this AU-55 for marketing or general purposes is a joke.