I would have said F-details in my mind while looking at it. Just like my chain cent - sometimes I might bend for the rarity of the coin and what I can afford(or be willing to spend). That is probably why I still do not have a 1793 liberty cap.
I am thinking that it has F-15 detail, but PCGS would most likely net it down to F-12 because of the surface issues (acceptable for copper coinage this old). EAC would likely net grade it down further to a VG-8.
I'm going with Fine details myself although I'm not a copper guy. Actually I don't even collect American but the forums for world & ancients are so dead [no pun intended] that I strayed over here in desparation. My guess is that the lite scratches obv & rev would cause a details grade.
By the time that you get down to that grade in modern numismatics, I think it is garnered as a strait grade, This coin could have been a pocket piece, and it was abused before he got it. We will never know.
One of the things to keep in mind is that the hair detail didn't strike up well on this variety so even coins in higher grades will appear similar to other varieties in lower grades.
For such a rare coin, why don't they do Ob/Rev combined grading? My .02; Rev looks 20+, Ob ... 12 ... + ?
TPGs are more lenient ( current market grading ). Find out what the experts at EAC would give, they are usually 10-15 points stricter.
Sorry, can't give any grade opinions, kanga. What really baffles me is when C-B-D states that "collectors.....well, beggars can't be choosy." If collectors can't be choosy, could you please tell me who can ? If you choose to be treated like a beggar, then, guess what ! You'll be treated like a beggar !!!
CBD probably knows the difference between 'collectors' and 'investors'. Collectors collect for HOBBY. If their collected pieces appreciate in value, their hobby is still their hobby. (although making money in a hobby often turns into business) Investors aren't in collecting for money-making. (never mind Hunts'; they were investors from the gitgo) I don't know if I agree equating collecting with begging, but point is, most don't distinguish between a hobby, and money-making.