MS 65....clean fields and looks to have the typical planchet marks (although I think some of it might be hits, hence I'm limiting my grade to a 65).
I voted 63 before I looked at other responses. I thought it was chatter on the obverse but it's really planchet marks that didn't get smoothed due to strike? The reverse looked 66 to me and I was wondering how you get a 63 obverse and a 66 reverse.
Strike - Unfortunately, the strike on this one isn't great - there are a lot of heavy planchet marks across the whole coin. While they are especially prominent on the higher relief obverse, they are also visible on the cabin on the reverse. 63 for strike. Luster - Appears to have bright luster, with uninterrupted cartwheel. I'd say its a strong example of creamy luster, a look that I like. The patina is present, but does not impede the luster - the hallmark of an original (or properly dipped and retoned) coin. 64+ for the luster. Eye appeal - Very nice. Original patina, as mentioned, with just a bit of rim toning. This probably spent time in an album, and looks quite attractive. 65 for the eye appeal. Contact marks - This is the trickiest part of this coin. How many of those marks on the face are planchet roughness, and how many are actual contact marks? Looking at the relatively clean reverse, and the relatively clean obverse fields, I assume most of those marks are from the planchet. However, that's an awful lot of marks in a prime focal area. I know that TPGs are very forgiving on these, but there's only so much I can take for a gem grade. 64 for the contact marks. Average that all out, and my opinion is a solid 64. I could see it in a 65 holder if the luster is stronger than your pictures show - but based on the pictures, I'm at 64.
I’m not a collector of commems but I put this at a 63. I felt there were too many marks on the obverse but the reverse is fantastic.
I think it is a solid 65. Somewhat weak strike keeps the grade down a bit, but excellent surface preservation and luster bring it to gem.
This coin is a perfect example why I prefer to buy NGC graded commemoratives, unless I can get the PCGS at a price that equals my perceived grade on the coin. As most of you noted, this is a somewhat weak strike. Very typical for the series. All those marks on Booker's face are unstruck planchet marks, with the one on his forehead being a toss-up as to whether it's planchet or a hit. The are a few small hits on the obverse, and 2 (by my count) on the reverse. Otherwise it's a very nice BTW. I personally love the look of the obverse. I really think PCGS is overly forgiving on the Old Silver Commemoratives, not saying they overgrade, or don't know the series, but I think they are much easier on them. I, and I believe NGC, would have given this a 65. Thing is, almost everyone says PCGS is tougher, but my experiences have been the opposite, especially with this series. Oh, and nobody got the grade right. Kind of re-inforces what I'm saying.