I have found these codes to be really helpful in understanding what PCGS thought about a problem coin. The only one I don't understand is code 96. I have an 1877 Seated Quarter that came back code 96 "No Service / Refund" The coin is proper size and weight and I had figured it would come back as AU Details Cleaned. The fields of the coin have a frosty look that does not carry over to the devices. I thought it was just a coin that had one dip too many or it was a counterfeit. I guess I should be happy there were no fees. Any thoughts on what PCGS dumps into the 96 code? Their site is not much help. I'll image the coin someday but not now. Thanks for your thoughts.
Just to speculate… Maybe they shared your confusion about exactly seems odd about this coin, and just decided that they could not decide? I can see the graders huddled around saying “I dunno, whadda you think?”. So they decided not to venture an opinion at all.
