Should I Get This Circulated 1986 D Quarter Graded?

You right , it is much better than a 63 . The only problem might be if that area on obverse left field is a scratch it could be a problem for a real nice grade by TPG .

Sure "send 'er in"...you'll learn real quick why it is necessary to really learn about these things fully first. I say that facetiously, this question arises daily, with the "I'm sure it's the next winner" and grading/certifying coins.

First off, what is certification and how is it accomplished. Then, where do the candidates for certification usually come from? Next, what are the absolute minimum requirements for each grade on the scale? Let's take this last one. Grading looks at how the coin was struck and the material used. Bette strike, better grade. Then, microscopic damages are assessed. Catch that... microscopic. 6 faults per grade(3 per side averaged out). This includes micro-scratches, contact marks that will happen once coin is ejected into hopper with many brothers. If coin is circulated, just how many micro-scratches are on it? You said you got it out of change, that means it has contacts with other coins, objects and most importantly, human hands(skin oils). The possibility of a circulated coin grading higher than MS64/65 is almost nil. The cutoffs for pricing increases are are generally above the MS68 levels.

So I say, "send it in" you'll learn a big lesson you won't repeat! BTW, it costs over $$80 to send a coin in, most folks want to be assured they aren't losing money and can sell it for a "pretty penny"!

I didn't answer what the real "candidates" are for certification. Well, out of circulation is not a major one if any at all. Most coins come from US Mint and Proof Sets that have been picked over years before for just the sole purpose of finding high grade submissions. This still goes on, but, like the "unsearched rolls" fiascos, there are few if any "unsearched" mint or proof sets today, some, yes, but rare to find. AND, as coins sit in the mint cello, "things" happen called "toning" (discolorizations) and further contact damages through pressures. the coins may not be the gradeable levels anymore. I just upgraded my US sets from 1968-1988, in all the mint and proof sets most coins were in the MS/PF64-67 range, maybe a few 68's but a lot did fall into the MS60-62 range just because of storage problems. Nature of the beast.

It's tough to grade from the angle and glare, but it appears to be MS-64. A very nice coin for sure, especially since clad coins weren't saved very much, but not worth the cost of slabbing.

MS-64 and money down the drain if you get it slabbed.