1878 Indian Cent Proof - For Grading

I would consider it an impaired proof but am hesitant to assign it a market grade. Posting to see what others will say,.

PR58

There are some abrasions on the cheek, eyebrow, hair, and ribbon. In addition to the abrasions, I see some rub on the usual high points of the obverse, but less on the reverse, mainly on the bow. It hasn't been cleaned, but it definitely was mishandled and then stored improperly. The toning isn't awful, but it also isn't pretty and isn't even. There are some beautiful 1878 proofs out there, but this isn't one of them.

These coins were part of a partial 1878 proof set that I purchased way back in the day. The only remaining coins were the cent, TCN, nickel, and Twenty Cent. I bought the group to get the Twenty Cent for a client, so these are freebies after that transaction. (The Twenty Cent was a beauty.) All of the coins were stored in a leather coin purse, but were wrapped in cotton. The obverse of the cent apparently was not protected by the cotton. They had a rough go before I bought them, but have led a pampered life since then.

I really don't know how this one would / could grade. It definitely is a proof, but the abrasions would be enough to detail it if it was a business strike. With the obverse rub, I really can't see it coming in above a PR 58, unless a TPG felt generous or had pity on it. It's a tough critter to guess, isn't it?