I am just hoping that isn't a staple scratch on his face that goes horizontally and instead is on the holder. If so, I will have to return it. I am perfectly fine with everything else, including along the rims. Fingers crossed! MS65 by NGC.
Wow. They often use a certain percentage, but it seems if you look/ measure the area affected it's more than that. I think, if this was 30-35% they use 25% because it's at least that much. If the staple scratch is not deep enough, sometimes it is OK. If it digs in and you can see shiny metal underneath, that's bad. This one seems very minor. Is there a gouge on the feather?
If that is a "gouge" or an indentation from an object, I do not consider that significant. The placement of it also, again if it is an indent/gouge, is forgivable. Should it be on his nose, or the date, or his forehead...that would be a problem for me.
A staple scratch - light or deep - is the worst defect on a coin, in my opinion. Worse than fingerprints, hairlines from improper cleaning, discoloration. I am not forgiving in my collection. Either way, I will return it should it be a staple scratch.
Joe, it's possible it's a die crack across the face, and not a scratch. Can't tell for sure from the photo, but I believe I've seen a crack like that on earlier Buffs in the time period.
Cool coin! Maybe just a scuff on the plastic. (Assuming that's pre-prong NGC plastic. If so, it's refreshing to see a coin without those gnarly white fangs intruding into the photos.)
@Fred Weinberg is correct. It is a slight die crack that is only visible at the angle shown. Your knowledge and experience never ceases to amaze me!