1909 VDB - Planchet Error?

I got this one graded recently by PCGS and it received a straight grade from them despite the discoloration on the obverse shoulder area. It appears much more distinct and the coin is much brighter in-person (I think that my camera makes it look darker). Also, what looks to be a fingerprint on the obverse, does not look at all like a fingerprint in-person - it looks to be scattered carbon spots. Is this a planchet error or defect?






In fact, the entire coin looks unusual - in a good way. Here's the reverse image taken before the coin was submitted. The surface has a pearl-like iridescence, and differs in color from the obverse.



Thanks in advance!

 

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There are fingerprints all over your coin and it is stained. Over graded in IMO. Also, there is crap that will corrode your coin all over its reverse in the before photo. Did they clean your coin before it was holdered? Where is the reverse photo of the coin in the slab please?

 

The coin was put into acetone and xylene prior to submission. That green stuff was removed in advance. Here are pics of the coin that were taken before:

 

I agree with @Insider that it was overgraded. I don't see anything that cries out error to me. Congrats on the grade and good job conserving it. Maybe I should send in a few of mine. Mind if I ask how Xylene works and your process of conservation?

 

Oh, you left that out in your original post where I read: ""Here's the reverse image taken before the coin was submitted."

Unfortunately, to a purist as I am, the reverse has become slightly corroded. I should sell it as a 64 and be glad it was not "detailed."

 

How I understand it, Xylene is or is similar to paint thinner. It feels like oil and evaporates quickly. I put it in acetone then leave the coin in Xylene for a day or two, then give it an acetone wash or another acetone bath. It works like a charm.

 

But what causes this discoloration?

 

Who knows? A chemical or some debris or crud on the surface as was on the reverse. Since it appears to have eaten into the surface it does not matter. If it had been organic, your cleaning should have removed it.,

 

Xylene is an organic solvent just like acetone, only nonpolar where acetone is more polar on the scale. You use them identically. There, that's your chemistry term to research for the day: polarity, and what effect it has in numismatics.