It is a 58 , but NGC will probably give it a 63, or maybe even higher. One of those times a 55-58 would sell for more than MS prices.
@desertgem you are so correct. what gets me is you go through the trouble of seriously learning the grading scale only to have all that thrown out and someone looks and say ah, give it a MS63 because you don't find them in this condition anymore. I cant imaging a coin grow back original luster or the rub magically is gone. SMH
I'm not sure Jim was implying that the coin shouldn't drive MS prices, but I will let him speak to that. As for condition, Isabella Quarters are commemoratives and most extant examples are mint state. The reason why people are predicting that this coin will market grade to mint state is because they believe it has an overall appearance that is better than most MS60-MS62 examples. I once wrote a thread about the virtues of the AU64 coin. Check it out in the link below. The secret to collecting key dates (The elusive AU64 slider)
I think 58 and I think NGC gave it a 62. If it's a 63 I'll drift into a depressed stupor and finish off this party-sized bag of chips I just opened. Maybe that'll get Beefer to give us the verdict early . . .
I agree now days its all about making the customer happy ------- Now me I am like an OLD DAWG with a bone.