Not really sure. Looks AU 53-55 to me, but it could be the lighting. There is some gunk in the dentils on the obverse and reverse. Still a nice looking coin. I think it might come back cleaned. I also question what I am seeing around the N in United and around the leaves as well as above the 2nd arrow. the more I look at it, the more it looks like it could possibly be counterfeit? I am not use to seeing that Kind of stuff on a US coin.
IMHO, you should slab this one. Much to easy to scratch or mark gold coins. AS it is raw, it will also provide you with certainty that it is genuine and will have a grade. Semper Fi
The top three TPG's are very strict on grading gold coins. It could be worth it though, nice coin. The decision is in you're hands, good luck.
The 1897-O is not a well struck date, and it's often pretty scuffy. It's difficult to tell from the photos of the coin has been cleaned in the "shady" areas. I'm not worried about the depression between N and the leaves, as it looks to me like the planchet delaminated before strike. If the coin grades, I think it is an MS62, and certainly worthwhile.
Thanks to all of you for the Input. I believe this coin should be in a MS61/62 holder, so I will send it in some day. I will tell you……
