1855 1c Braided Hair Large Cent Newcomb-9 "Knob On Ear"

I wouldn't grade the NGC coin at XF. Perhaps high VF.

Like fortcollins said, the knob in the obverse is raised which protects the central obverse features. The reverse of the NGC coin gives a better indication of wear and all the leaves in the wreath are worn flat, not something you expect from an XF coin. The surfaces look dull like they've been sandpapered.

Your photos reveal more of the coloration. The obverse issues sure look like chemical reaction from liquid dripping on the surface. It definitely hurts eye appeal, but it's retoning well and shouldn't detail it. IMHO, this one would be another example of the EF-48 technical grade that someday will appear. It looks just shy of AU. With the eye appeal issue, I'd hold at EF-45 net grade. Very good buy for that price.