Here is another. Is there a safe way to clean off the black stuff on the obverse? Its a beautiful coin but I think the black stuff takes away from it.
The dark around the letters isn't bad. It would look weird and unnatural if you tried to remove it. It might make EF, but I don't see any luster so I like it better at VF-35.
I don't think you should even consider an acetone rinse. The result could be less appealing than what you currently have. Much nicer than the example I don't have....
Just to be clear, I don’t own the Indian head cents I am just getting opinions on grades and I will be selling them for the owner.
The question is still fair, however. If you, as the seller, can perform a simple conservation (removing crud, PVC, dirt, etc), and make the coin more presentable, then both you and your client benefit from selling a more appealing coin. In this case, I'd be more concerned that removing the black would leave bare, untoned, ugly areas.
XF. If it were my coin, I might take a very light application of acetone with a swab. Very gently. It might improve, maybe not, but you would not damage the coin if you did this gently.
I think it's a EF-45 but with a possibility of a prior cleaning. Just a first impression when I look at the coin but I cannot support that with reasons. I'm with others in suggesting that you not try to improve the looks because I think you potentially have more to lose than gain.
