I have a 1922 that has a hairline crack too. It's a crack going through IN GOD, where the letters are mismatched. I'll post a pic later.
I make my own judgements on the coin even when they've been authenticated and graded by a TPG. You don't have to agree with the grade on the holder.
IMO, they're not. It's a matter of preference. For more expensive specimens, I prefer them in a holder. I do have many lower price coins raw. It's nice to hold them in your hand. Collect what you like, like what you collect.
@wxcoin , nice one. Did you just win that at Heritage? I swear I saw that coin while browsing through their recent auction catalog.
Nice spiked eagle clashed die. I'm looking for an eye appealing 1921 VAM 3. Let us know when you get all the VAM varieties and sub varieties of the 1928.