Is that A DDR? From BUS through UNUM caught my eye, Still working on the grade. By the way, I think I have narrowed it to DDR-002 And 005.
That's a strike pressure artifact/failure to fill, though. Look at the skritchiness on the obverse shoulder opposite that point - to my mind those play a lesser role in grade than other marks, because they're pre-strike marks which weren't obliterated. One can find the O nearly missing, and strong effects on E PLUR in bad examples. A good but not excellent strike, especially for a 1909. Now that I've picked my jaw up off the floor I'll contemplate a grade. There are (minor) gouges in the hair which don't show readily in this lighting, a few others in the reverse fields. Strike isn't terrific, and the color is a bit splotchy. So I'll limit myself to 66 on this one. Justin, this is one of those places where you want to obliterate the luster, in order to present a more accurate pixel-by-pixel representation of color everywhere, for the RD-RB decision. The "darker" areas likely give the false impression, and brightening them would wash out the already-Red areas. In a second set of images, of course, so we can enjoy these as well.
Personally, I'm at 65+ with the obverse spotting. However, sometimes pictures bring that out versus in-hand. Looks to have nice luster, 66 wouldn't shock me from the TPG's.
No winner on this one.. Although, a lot of you posted what I thought, when it arrived in hand that this coin, is undergraded. It's in a PCGS MS65RD holder. I Sniped it at the last moment and was shocked that the final bid only went up a dollar. My winning bid was a measly $50.00, needless to say, I was doing the happy dance. Then I worried that maybe the seller would cancel the transaction. He originally had it listed as a Buy It Now for $119.00!! I'd like to try and submit this to CAC and see if I could get the coveted Gold Bean on it.
My initial reply was uncomplimentary to PCGS and furthermore unprintable. It may be that we've lost some scratch detail on the cheek due to the color, or possible that PCGS was smoking crack. Or, trying to kick and in a vile mood as a result. Potentially a violation of the Geneva Convention.
Haha!! It may be the ever so slightest Woody effect that got into their britches. Regardless, I'm damn happy to have this added to my collection. I buy a lot and then resell it for a profit, but this one will be a permanent resident of my collection.
I miss guessing on this one (Thank God) as I should have guessed 64 at best. Looks like a spot removal (discoloration) over the "V" on the reverse. In the old days any black carbon spots (this has a few) would have kicked it out of "gem." IMO, save your money as this coin will not even get a green bean. Ram "crow" down my throat if it does!
I see the cheek, and the upper lapel. But when I look at the shoulder I see the die state. I wouldn't let go of it either.