I'm a little confused by your answer and after re-reading my post, I also see that my question was not very clear. From the above response, I think the scratches are on the coin, otherwise, you'd crack it and look for an upgrade. Am I correct?
Yes, you are correct b/c if not for the scratches on the cheek the coin would be out of the slab by now.. I have had probably cracked 10 coins out of the slab and I have yet to fail to received an upgrade. Here is the latest example... https://www.cointalk.com/threads/guess-the-grade-of-this-pcgs-1903-pr-half.120471/
Here is one I won at my local coin club's raffle. I really like the slight clashing visible on both sides. The reverse you can actually make out Liberty's eye, the slope of her nose and right on down to her lip.
This is a RARE Morgan...how many have you seen in 64? I know, I know, members here don't like white coins.
Bought this 1881-S($20.00) from a pawn shop in an old PCGS holder. Thought it would grade a little better. Cracked it out and went from MS63 to MS64. Sorry for the bad photos.
I bought 13 morgan dollars that morning. 4 of them were in holders. Silver was $30/oz. I ask how much. The kid calls his boss. $220.00 for all of them out the door. I am not much of a morgan dollar fan. So most of them got sold. Thanks for looking.