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Message:: [QUOTE="GDJMSP, post: 323720, member: 112"]PCGS standards -  XF40/45 - the wear is apparent, though the weakly struck coins will sometimes have less detail than well struck VF coins. The weakness is usually in the hair above and around the ear, but sometimes the area above the eye, including LIBERTY and the headdress, may exhibit weakness. The reverse will show corresponding weakness, and the wreath will have definite wear on the high points. VF20/35 - coins will have flattened hair, especially with poor strikes, with detail in the recessed areas only. The wreath will be flat, with detail depending on the strength of the strike. Central letting and the date will have considerable wear, and parts of them may be missing due to incomplete strike. Now first I'll ask which of those more closely approximates describing the condition of the coin ? Secondly I'll say that IMO that coin may have a bit of a weak strike as evidenced by the lower portion of the letters in LIBERTY, but not that weak. Most of what we see on this coin is good honest wear. I think that all of the grading companies vastly over-grade these coins. In looking at the link you posted Mike, and most of the coins graded XF40 or 45 by PCGS - they didn't even come close to following their own standards. They are making way too many excuses & allowances and saying it is because of weak strike. I say horse puckey - they are overgrading the coins.[/QUOTE]