A Poor Little Beat Up Half Eagle (PCI!)

Agreed, which is perhaps why I'll never break this coin out. The only thing I can think of that could be hidden is a rim file, but I don't see any evidence of that or other type of damage (other than the hits you already see) on the coin. Very perplexing grade.

Back in the PCI green tag days they were known for pretty decent grading and these holders generally are respected. It's weird.

Yet another reason why I tend to snag those old, Futura-typefaced PCI slabs whenever I see one. AU50 money for that? All day, every day, as many as you'll sell me. Even if your images are masking slight rub (and I don't think they are), it's a flight of fancy to go below 58 for that coin.




That's the only explanation I can think of, but they were Details grading coins back then, too, if I recall correctly. I've seen red labels in that typeface.