Guess The PCGS Grade 1866 $1

OK, here's my thinking, and I'm being optimistic in favor of PCGS when it's not normally my inclination to be that way, just so you know.

The appearance of the details in areas of lesser wear leads me to think this was a stonkin' fresh-die strike from the Mint. PCGS noted this fact, and then compared the degree of wear to what that specific coin looked like when Uncirculated, rather than comparing it to other coins of similar appearance.

With that said, I believe they beat this one by a full grade. To heck with the toning; this one's AU55.

I don't think its fair for PCGS to do that when they constantly let dipped garbage into AU slabs : p

PCGS has gotten to the point where they will let a coin slide if it's been dipped or lightly wiped. They are selective as to which coins slide but, I've seen plenty of PCGS graded coins that have obvious altered surfaces. That said, yes the toning is dark and deductions have been made for eye appeal but, the your coin has all the merits of an AU58 coin but should have at least been slabbed AU55. It's a nice coin!

OK, I have a BONE TO PICK...Upfront, I don't own the series, BUT do know wear when its seen or not seen...I will assume since it does not appear to have "GLOWING LUSTER" simply means
its a genuine coin, further more, I just can't see the wear to make it AU50 or 53 coin.........Sure its dark, but PGCS has some amaZing MS67 coins that are more than toned....I think its a poor grading result, and not allowing into the graded population due to the money it should bring...WHY would heritage contact you, if this was not so... I think someones really trying to steal a great coin..

From the pics it looks like it might have just a slight brush of wear on the cheek and the right forearm.....tough to say w/o seeing in person, but if so then a grade of 58 would fit. Def nicer than a 53 from what I see in the pics.

And it is a gorgeous coin regardless of what pcgs calls it.....