I was lucky enough to cherry this beauty for under $4 shipped. This is a 1963 business strike with proof reverse. It's more commonly know as a Type B reverse. Note the gap between the ES of STATES. Also the leaf extends above the arrow tips. This is my 3rd date of these. I have a BU 1961 and an XF 1956. Thanks all!
Id say MS64 all day based upon those pictures. FS-901s are always my favorite varieties. Now you gotta pick a 1964-D Type C.
Let me preface this reply by saying I am not well versed in grading mint state coins, so take it with a grain of salt. However, I will include links to support my claims, and I will post some detailed macro images of the few imperfections on this coin. I know a mint state coin when I see it, but the subtle differences between MS64 & MS65 and MS65 & MS66, I have never taken the time to really study. I have a really low budget for coins, and I don't really care about "value" so it hasn't really been important yet. When this question came up I decided to go look through the detailed images of high grade examples on PCGS to get a feel for these subtle differences. I know grading is subjective, but the difference in some of the MS66 coins is wild. Also, I only compared the coins without toning, as I am not good with toned coins either. My coin: 1) There are minimal radial flow lines, and all devices are very sharp. It appears to be a nice EDS example. 2) There are die polish lines everywhere so the luster explodes when the light hits it. 3) I know the placement of the bag marks matter, but as you will see in the first PCGS MS66 example, they didn't matter there, lol! 4) There are very few contact marks on Washington and the ones that are there are not distracting and tiny. There is a reeding hit southwest of the L in LIBERTY (it shows in the full images above), and a small rub-like imperfection in the field behind Washington's head (doesn't show but I will image it). 5) I only see a single distracting contact mark on the reverse, but it's a reeding hit on the eagle's chest (shows in image above but not well). The wing and legs have minimal, tiny dings. PCGS MS66 #1 - http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/83528314_62186819_max.jpg If this is a normal MS66, mine will grade 66+ or 67, which I know isn't happening. There are only 26 1963s period that have made MS67. George looks like he fought a wildcat & the eagle's legs and wings are pretty beat up. My coin is easily nicer. PCGS MS66 #2 - http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/82981188_60243941_max.jpg There are breaks in the luster on George, a ding on his temple, and a few field dings. The reverse is very nice. I think mine is at the least comparable. PCGS MS66 #3 - http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/32770150_46918123_max.jpg Another comparable example. The eagle has a chest ding, so that doesn't disqualify from 66. PCGS MS65 - http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/84650667_69466539_max.jpg The surface & luster on my coin most resembles this one, with the amount of polish lines, but doesn't have nearly the amount of contact marks. I am normally pessimistic about my coins, but based on the PCGS images, I see no way this coin isn't at least a 65, with a realistic chance at 66. If I can cherry another less attractive example to keep, I may send this one in as my first submission ever. If it could make 66 or better, it's a $250+ coin. See here for recent 66 auctions: http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/146071 Sorry it is so lengthy, just wanted to explain my thought process. I'm sure the better graders will point out my errors. Please share your concerns and thoughts. Reeding mark SW of L: Luster break behind head: Reeding mark eagle's chest: Eagle's legs & wings: FS-901 PUPs (ES & Leaf tip): Neck & Head:
Quite a detailed analysis. I agree your coin should be at least a MS65, but certification is a crapshoot. I have one, but it's no better than a MS63. If you think your coin would go MS66 it would probably be worth the money to get it certified. Anything less the cost wouldn't justify the certification.
