Altered Surface Merc Value?

I wish I could take good pics. I'd be interested to hear everyone's thoughts on the coin.

PCGS would make sure the coin was altered before sending back in a bodybag. I don't know how identical it could be to the Merc pictured because it's in pristine condition.

To answer your question: An altered surface coin is only worth what someone will give you for it. I'm thinking about 10% to 20% of the cost of an original piece.
People aren't interested in them because there are too many pretty untouched coins for people to spend their money on as apposed to problem coins.

Sorry about your dilemma. -PP

It doesn't have the honey color like the rest of the set that I have does and the surface is a little too even compared to some others I've been looking at. I think these are tell tale signs of dipping, right?

You are aware that a TPG service is made up of people. People make mistakes. If a PCGS employee had a fight with his wife the morning he looked at your coin, he may just have said I'll get back at this turkey for my miserable morning. Or a car accident, mother-in-law visiting, wife filed for divorce, daughter told him she is pregnant, etc. If your coin is worth the money, try sending it to one of the many, many other TPG services but I wouldn't resend it to PCGS again. This coin, if your estimate of grade is correct, would be worth several hundred dollars. Pending on how much you spend attempting to have it graded, and if constantly failing, you could end up being out a substantial amound of money.