I’ve been halfway looking for one of these the past couple years but always found something else I wanted more. Love the design. I’m in the 65 camp but 58 wouldn’t be a complete shock either.
And the answer is....... MS-64. I was kind of thinking it should have been a 65. It is super lustrous and original looking. I can't seem to figure out why it didn't achieve 65 unless the grader did not like the toning????
That Charter Oak must be hiding a bit of contact. I thought that it had Gem plus Luster. Way off on that one.
I have several classic commemorative coins of various mint state grades and the amount of luster and cleanliness of this coin screams 65 to me but what do I know
If the luster was there, it could be the toning. If it's too crusty or unattractive that can work against the coin.
Did you recently buy this? I saw one similar for sale somewhere. Same dark toning and all. Yes the toning could have hidden it. But a lot of these commemorative halves go on to get green and gold stickers at CAC. There are a lot that will go a point or more higher.