I know that. I am comparing surface preservation, not die markers. I stand by what I said. The coin is XF. They got it right. Otherwise, we can blame every instance of obvious wear on die states. The surfaces on the OP coin are XF.
I wonder what leads me to think that OKBC, known for expertise in this particular series for many years, and has significantly contributed to research and accordingly is held in respectful regard for same, and his known ability to render an opinion concerning the series on behalf of many specialist collectors that respect his opinion, and..... has the piece in hand and has personally examined it...... as opposed to the opinion of people without the level of known expertise in the series and not viewing the coin in hand but did view a photo on the internet and compared it to other photos on the internet....might just know a little more than photo interpreters. Maybe it is just me.
Please, this is the sword you draw as superiority? Another photo that is at best a general guide and intended as same that is many years old and was not fully described in footnotes as to the nuances of strike and/or shade appearance and/or the appearance and differentiation and judgement of luster, and.... well, no use continuing....the difficulty I personally have in interpreting your sword power.
Well , as far as I can see , only OKbustchaser, the owner, has seen it in person along with whoever also saw it at PCGS during the grading process. He certainly can use their process to ask that it be reconsidered, or do anything else with the coin. Many of us have had PCGS ( and the others) give an unfavorable rating to our estimations. And the choice is to show the coin and have the discussions, but there is NO need to get snarky about your view, this is not a popularity poll. SO speak your view, but each is also responsible for how they do it. Make it a learning scenario, not a boxing match. Jim
Well said. My last comment on the coin, not the process, is that it is a beautiful example of the series. The eye appeal of the coin is extremely high, and the toning is quite beautiful. Whether or not it is XF or AU, it is a beautiful addition to anyone’s collection of Bust coins. As I said, I would be happy to own it, irrespective of the numerical grade, as an appealing coin is an appealing coin.
Based on the amount of luster along with the amount of actual wear rather than missing detail which was never there in the first place I think it is an AU coin. Although I posted this thread for discussion (both sides of which I appreciate) I am actually happy with the grade on the label. I was not the person who sent it to PCGS, nor was I the consignor to the auction where I purchased it. As I said in the OP it enabled me to purchase it for quite a bit less than what it would have cost as an AU.
Although I was pretty strong on insisting that it is not an AU coin ( I can be a pain in the buttocks, sometimes), I am pretty sure that it is a great candidate for a Gold bean from Mr. Albanese and Company. I think that would make it even more desirable than a low grade AU. It is obviously high in grade, and has tremendous eye appeal.
Best thing you ever wrote. Should I mention that there is a possibility that this could be a details coin and the color might not be natural?
It is possible. I would guess, given the blue in the toning on the reverse, that it is old album toning. If so, then it would be NT.