They didn't take anybody to the cleaners. That was the cost to grade one coin (which also includes PCGS membership as @Southernman189 pointed out in another thread). PCGS accurately performed the service that was requested. He was hoping he had a rare coin, but it wasn't. That's why it's important to have a general idea of the value of the coin you're submitting. You need to make sure grading is worth it. Grading isn't cheap.
anacs is way cheaper, and i have seen coins with this extreme of struck through bring upwards of 30-45 dollars on heritage and great collections, me personally would go about 15-20 depending on better pictures..but that is just me, i love errors...
probly shoulda asked for paddy' or fred to give a gander, sometimes you dont like what they have to say, but for the most part, they are both spot on experts who have helped me on my learning of errors journey
Just like looking at pretty ladies in bathing suits, big or small, we look at them all. Can’t get much better advice than posting quality pictures here