1908-S Indian Head Cent [you Vs. NGC]

I should add that I am also in the camp of.. "if it straight graded..."

I am assuming it did with the grade I gave, but right off the bat the color is a little off, almost too red, but not blonde enough to be a "RD"

MS-65RD straight.

Good looking coin! The strike is a bit soft, but not enough for any point deductions. I agree with the upthread comments regarding the obverse hits on the cheek, in front of the ear, and in the field between the lips and the "T" of UNITED holding the grade to 64. It's difficult to judge the color from the photos. I agree that it looks a bit off, but that very well could be the lighting. I have to join the cautionary "if" on straight grading. Even if it's detailed, your coin still has good eye appeal and is in great shape for a tough date.

Would you be willing to post a closeup of the mm? I don't have any concerns about the coin, but the mm appears to be in the right position for 1908-S-RPM-002.

@eternallogan, If I have to choose, I think this coin is detailed. The color and reflectivity really make me lean toward seeing it as cleaned, but again, that could be lighting or the photograph. PCGS would be deadly on detailing it, but I'm not as certain with NGC, especially if isn't isn't freshly slabbed.

There are a lot of ugly UNC / baggy 1908-S Indians out there, and this one is still a nice looking coin, regardless of whether it has a details or a grade.

If it straight grades, a 1908-S 63RB is in the $400 range and a 64RB is north of $600. (EDIT: I don't see it as a RD. The color's too far off for RD.) If it's detailed, it's half of those prices. A lot rides on that call. I definitely get your concern with this one. Regardless of numerical grade, if it straight grades, I definitely wouldn't crack and resubmit this one.

JMHO.

I was afraid of something like this.

Well, rats. If NGC detailed it, PCGS definitely would. Unless it's at a bargain price, there wouldn't be much upside on this one. It's still a nice coin without a ton of bagginess.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Shows you how much I know about IHCs...