Proof Franklin Half- What is your opinion here?

ChrisH821

I recently purchased this coin, it is graded but I won't mention by which who and I am cropping out any part of the holder.
I would expect that a high grade proof would have only minor imperfections, certainly nothing that jumps out, From the pictures it looked like the streaks on this coin were discoloration(yes, I should have asked), like maybe something got on the surface and left a streak. That, IMO, would be acceptable. However, what we see on this coin are actually scratches, bright and shiny, as if made by the tip of a sharp blade.
Now, I can return this coin, however I think it really should be taken off the market so I am almost more inclined to work with the grading service. I am not sure I would really get anywhere though. What are the opinions of those more expert than I? Ignoring actual grade, do you think this coin should have straight graded? Maybe my expectations just don't line up with reality.
Full coin with date obscured. besides the marks it is a very nice example

Pictures to show worst/best appearance of the scratches:


Here is a large picture if anyone wants to open it in a separate tab/window to evaluate.

Thanks for your consideration.

AUandAG

typical PR67

bob

Cameonut

I've looked at many thousands of Proof Franklins over the last 30+ years and I would think that a major grading service would not straight grade that piece or severely lower the grade.

If I bought that coin, I'd return it. Let the seller deal with the grading service.

ricko

Send it back.... I would not keep it.... Cheers, RickO

MFeld

@AUandAG said:
typical PR67

bob

Not at all.

DelawareDoons

Yikes is all I will say.

ModCrewman

I'm guessing 1953 by the way. Great looking coin though apart from it's issues.

mannie gray

Graders usually are very tough on hairlines and/or scratches on proofs; especially post 1950 proofs.
I would return it.
Somebody overlooked the scratches.

SanctionII

If the lines are in fact scratches (instead of die polishing lines) then I am surprised that the coin straight graded. Of course I am looking at enlarged photos which show the lines very prominently. If I saw the coin in hand I might think differently.

Proofs are supposed to be of extremely high quality due to the manner in which they are produced and handled. Scratches like those on the pictured coin are much more acceptable on MS circulation strike coins. For proofs, scratches like those on the pictured coin are more likely not to be forgiven in the grading room.

JimW

That is the question - in the second picture, for example, the line on B looks raised. But maybe it is just my interpretation.

DollarAfterDollar

Looks to me like album slide type damage but slides don't run north/south so I'm kinda lost. Definitely looks like Post Mint scratches.

ChrisH821

I wish they were were die artifacts, but they are not. Depression in the middle with raised edges and catches light just like a scratch. I suppose there is a small chance that it is the most unusual planchet defect I've seen.
I can't quite explain how the protected area between the B and the top of Franklin's head would have been touched

Higashiyama

I agree with @JimW - in the more magnified photos, the line running through the B sure looks raised. Even the parallel line that runs between the B and the E, at least the part on the middle of Franklin's head looks raised. Yet, the continuation of this line near Franklin's temple looks like a gouge. I wish we could see this coin in hand!

7Jaguars

I see this frequently on Brit coins graded here or ATS. Some are rejected for stated reasons that on other coins are accepted or passed by. They are human, but CAVEAT EMPTOR.

291fifth

Return it for a refund and move on. Don't waste time or money on problem coins.

fluffy155

Looks like staple scratches from a 2x2.

JJM

no