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Message:: [QUOTE="smb12321, post: 88214, member: 3682"]I am a type collector and for some time have needed the Small Eagle Half (1796 1797) to complete the collection.  After a long search a dealer located one and in a complex 3-way trade/purchase I bought a 1797 XF Half.  It was taken to the TPG (NOT NGS or PCGS) for a regrade (in  hopes it would get AU) and while inspecting it under a microscope someone noticed something "funny" with one of the stars.  After infrared and "other" tests the owner reluctantly gave permission for a clamp to be used and suddenly - the star popped out! It had been uniquely and expertly plugged (quite commeon) and had been graded by one of the BIG TWO.  The dealer was furious, the TPG quietly satisfied and the owner swore he knew nothing about it BUT happened to have a 1796 Half (also XF) that he said he would give instead.  (He also has 1797 MS61). I guess this proves that even the TPG gods make mistakes and all those lesser companies regularly trashed sometimes outperform.  I would LOVE to hear the conversation between the owner and the TPG. But all's well that end's well - I got the coin and completed the collection. It is on the web at <a href="http://www.rodinsquarters.com" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.rodinsquarters.com" rel="nofollow">www.rodinsquarters.com</a> if you are interested.  Good luck and I love this forum.[/QUOTE]