Did I Miss Out On This Opportunity? Opinions Please..

I no longer trust SEGS for MS coins since they often fail to note problems like cleaning. I used to figure they are just overgrading a point or two but on several occasions I ended up with problem coins in no-problem holders that would not cross at PCGS or NGC, even at lower minimum grades.

Nevertheless, if the coin in question is flagged as a problem piece like this one then you just have to decide whether you like the coin and whether the price appropriately reflects the degree of impairment. SEGS is fine for coins on this level since I do think they do a good job of authentication.

IMHO, that was a modest price; especially so, given the authentication. I've seen fine specimens trading at twice the price. I personally trust SEGS grading, yet I feel that they sometimes give too much detail - if that's possible! It's tough for the experts to agree on grades, and that's more so the case with old coppers.

Quite often, coins like this Half Cent are graded according to the area of strongest detail ... net grading may follow. I just looked at a PCGS 1908-S Indian that's in the CCF Auction. PCGS rates it as VF-30 and makes no mention of a large obverse stain or discoloration! Also, Liberty looks barely discernible. It's my F-12! I have far more of a problem with PCGS grading than with SEGS ...

Thanks for your opinions on this coin. In hindsight I think it was a good deal based on condition and price and I'll go forward looking for another and will take my time.