That's a really nice pilgrim, and that toning is perfect in my eyes. I give it MS65 - would've gone 66 if the luster was more apparent/different. This coin looks like a very early die state of the FS-901. Too early to qualify, but I can see the die crack starting.
The top right corner of the front cover of the Bible is a helpful tell on this particular series that is easy to remember. “Look to your Bible, son!” (In life and also when examining Pilgrim commemorative halves.) AU58 AU50 VF30
You've got to remember that classic commemoratives where low mintage and sold as a collectible coin, so most were purchased and put away. I would say that 80% or more are graded MS65 by the major TPG. This example is a weak strike, not wear, hence the grade.
The bible is great place to look, but it isn't the 'highest' point of wear on the obverse, it's the cheekbone. On the obverse it's the center rigging and the aft. I was looking at your bible and number of hits (very minimal, with the largest on his collar below his ear), and thought it to be about in line with mine (PCGS 65CAC), but if you look at your cheekbone, there is a hair more wear then mine: The biggest question I had on your coin was luster.
Wow, your example is beautiful with superior preservation for sure. A perfect example of what I was saying in the Alabama thread too- sometimes you buy these from images and get those (your) surfaces in-hand or mine, where the luster is far more subdued. In this case I bought the coin from the TV and based on the 63 grade I was 90% certain the grade involved lack of luster from the thick skin which was correct, but I love the character of the coin and these are the type of 63’s that will always be welcome in my collection.
