I saw this pop up on the BIN side of eBay. It was listed as EF and priced accordingly. I thought it was a little better, even if cleaned (which I strongly suspect it has been). So I got it.
If listed as EF and priced accordingly, my guess is that it was netted. The details do appear better than what one would expect for said range, but the apparent surface conditions negate this imo.
Put it in with the pocket change for a spell........that should alleviate the cleaning designation. Into a south window exposure, dutifully turning the coin (from time to time) like flipping a burger, and in no time you'll have a legitamite, credit worthy, ready to straight (straight?) grade coin.......... Disclaimer: Real actors and no animals were hurt during this demonstration. Under no circumstances should this be tried at home. If you need help paying for your medications maybe AstraZeneca can help.......
Definitely cleaned and not as nice as I thought it was going to be. I might return it. But it is still fairly pretty. Crappy shots through the holder. It looks nicer in hand.
I like the coin a million times better with your pictures. Hate how it looks with sellers pics but cleaned or not seeing it in your pics has nice eye appeal IMO
I initially thought that it was dipped to death, but your images show pretty good mint luster remaining. It's been dipped, but I don't see any indication of excessive polish. I don't know what you paid for it, but I agree with XF as a net grade.
It's very hard to grade from photos (duh!). I would infer this: from the buyer's photos, there is AU detail but xf luster. To me that suggests a cleaning which disrupted the field luster. The coin has also been dipped. I have bought coins like this too. Many, many seated halves are in this condition. Personally, I would return it and hold out for one with more original surfaces. For example, this one at Gerry Fortin's site (AU 58 so not cheap) http://seateddimevarieties.com/GFRC_Images/2636516.jpg
Less than PCGS's value for EF-40, but more than the $95 on the flip. Ufortunately, I did not buy it to keep. I might break even when selling it, or I'll make a few bucks. I don't think I'll lose money. I hate returning coins.