First of all, what grade would you give it? Secondly, what about the cut? it is odd to me and I wonder if this was a mint error? Mainly, I just can't imagine what could apply this kind of clean force without bending the coin. Thoughts? Overall, I love this coin! I paid $6 for it. Don't care so much if I got a 'great deal' but would like to figure out that chunk and how it impacts things.
A coin with damage like that is treated much the same a holed coin in regard to value - a small fraction of what it would be otherwise.
What would this coin grade out without the damage? It looks uncirculated to me, but I don't have much experience with where to look for wear on these. Any opinions on grade (as if the cut was not there) and explanations to help me out?
As a general rule you find some pretty nice pics of Unc coins at this web site - Coin Facts.com for comparison purposes. I would say your coin would be high XF - low AU were it not for the damage. If you look at your pics - see those spots on the high points that look kind of greyish brown - that is wear.