Grading Advice Needed For 1852-O $10

no they would not disqualify it as MS they would just result in a details designation from a TPG reducing the value. my best guess based on these photos is that the scratches may be on the coin.

I'm not convinced this coin is MS. either AU50/53 or MS61

I would like to start with the typical MS61 gold coin is heavily marked, and difficult to find a quality example. When buying gold, I usually go down to AU58 or MS63 and over.

The original post coin does not have the typical heavily marked look of a MS61, but the coin shows some possible signs of circulation. The face area and field in front of liberty looks like the luster has worn off from circulation rub, and possible wear in the hair area. I would grade the coin at AU58.

My intent is to perhaps purchase and resubmit. I just don't think it's MS61 as advertised.

It's a PGA holder. I did not include that to avoid any potential bias among those replying.

If it were PCGS/NGC I would have confidence in the grade.

artma:
Big money involved here with huge value swings at this grade level.
And the seller, as I reason it, obviously knows it.

As you imply, PCGS and NGC have a better reputation and by your words.
I would agree with that. I would also imply that this coin is not in a holder by either PCGS or NGC.

Ask the seller to break it out and re submit to either PCGS or NGC. I'll betcha London to a brick on that he won't.

If you proceeded to buy it, would you break it out and re submit? And would you be happy to do that?

I note that other CCF members have been braver than me, and suggested a grade below MS-61, as advertised.

Ms61

PCGS shows an AU58 sold for $20400 in 2020. Am I correct in valuing a details grade at 2/3 of straight - generally? I thought that was "the norm".

I guess this goes back to your intent. If your goal is to flip this coin, then you are taking a big risk with a coin that will probably get the "details" designation (PCGS has seemed especially tough, especially when it comes to surfaces of a coin, this past year). If you plan on selling it, then the burden will be to find someone who actually values the coin as highly as AU(58) money, which could be really tough. A lot of people see details coins as potential bargains, where they can buy a coin they aesthetically like, but at a fraction of the pricepoint of the grade the details on it match. A lot of people may not consider details coins at all. If your intention is to keep this coin as a type coin, then it seems like a pass to me. If your intention is to keep this coin as a well detailed example of a tough date (are you collecting the series?), and you find the coin pleasing to look at, then it may be worth it to YOU. I guess the final take away is to not expecting potential buyers to value details coins as much as the individual collector might. There is no guarantee you will find the right collector to value it so highly in a resale situation. I hope this makes sense.