I'm thinking MS63 As far as slabbing it goes - it's up to you. If it's for your collection, and you prefer slabbed coins, then by all means have it slabbed. If the coin is for resale, I don't think it'd be in your best interest to have it slabbed. This particular date of 'CC' doesn't spread much from XF to MS grades, so you won't get much more for it in a slab than as it sits.
I don't know, but the dealer I purchased this off of bought this from another dealer who is known for cherrypicking under graded coins. This is one of many coins I just recently purchased from this dealer. In the past week I have freed nearly a dozen or more coins. I freed three this evening. To answer the OP's original question - slab if you collect slabs. If you don't, then don't waste your time and money.
Here is an 81-CC in an NGC MS64DPL for comparison. Her face is pretty darn clean. (Note: The scuff mark above the 2nd left-hand star is on the slab. Chris
Agree, Chris. It isn't a 64. I would agree on the OP's coin being a 63, based on the subadequate pictures. It needs to be slabbed.
It would have been but there is a scratch across Liberty's cheek. TPGs almost always downgrade one full grade for a very prominent mark like that--it is a shame, as it is a gorgeous coin. Remember Paul's article about a beautiful coin with a prominent mark getting downgraded?
Thank you Morgandude11! Went to bed last night and missed the AU55 cleaned post.... holy crap! I don't know a ton about grading, and I am still learning, but I do know this coin has not been cleaned. That post sure woke me up! Thanks for all the replies. I am in the process of getting it sent in for slabbing. I am anticipating an ms63, possibly a 64, but I will let you all know when I get it back. Thanks again, cointalk rules!!