Hairline scratch -- Still MS63?

Take a look at the scratch running from 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock on this coin. Do you believe this type of scratch would disqualify this coin from being an MS63 according to a) technical grading, and/or b) current market grading?

 

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That's a border line one. The scratch is long and can be distracting, but it is not in a prime focal area. I think it could still be 63, but a bothersome 63.

 

Are you sure it's a scratch (incuse) and not a strikethrough (excuse)?

To answer your question directly, I don't see that scratch (provided it is a scratch) being a disqualifier for MS 63. That said, along with the scratch and the amount of chatter on high points and in the fields, I don't like this coin in a 63 slab, personally. Looks more like a 62 to me.

 

Is it a hairline scratch or possibly a staple scratch? A hairline scratch might get a pass, a staple scratch will get details for damage.

 

Details grade on that staple scratched coin. The separate part of the scratch above star five is a killer.
Says it probably happened coming out of a 2x2.

 

Well the grade is for the whole coin (although a severe scratch can lower a grade by a point or 2) I see a decently struck coin with good luster but many nicks etc. MS-63? Maybe, but a low end 63

 

I think the word you're looking for is "relief".

Also, aren't (non-retained) strikethroughs more typically incuse as well? Something gets pressed into the coin's surface, then falls away?

 

I think you are right, like a strand of steel wool or the like.

 

Very few strike through are perfectly straight lines scratches are.

 

I agree with the MS-62 grade. Much too much chatter for MS-63, but the scratch shouldn't keep it form being graded.

 

I got a PCGS PR69DCAM $1 Ike with a similar looking scratch under eagle's wing. Not even close to be knowledgable in TPG grading issues, just stating a fact.

 

I was agreeing with the poster's definition, not that the scratch was a strike through.

 

A scratch is a scratch...I've seen them bag a LOT of coins for less than that.

 

I don't think they body bag them anymore. If it genuine, but ungradable, they would still slab as genuine and something like "unc details" without a number grade.

 

A details slab is still a body bag, it just hurts a little less.

 

Just like putting the lame old dog to sleep instead of taking it out back with the .22.

 

But it does at least vouch for authenticity, right? Particularly for pre-1933 gold, I'd certainly bid more confidently on a details-slabbed coin than a raw one.

 

That is a good point, especially in light of the other thread (1853 $3 gold piece?). But then again, TPG's have been wrong.

 

Sure, but I'm confident that the proportion of counterfeits in slabs is a lot lower than the proportion of counterfeit raw coins.

 

This is the main reason I long ago made a personal rule that any time I put two $100 bills on the table the coin was slabbed.
This rule is for coins I buy and cannot hold in my hand before purchase.