Question for 3CS aficionados - why this grade?

Prethen

I realize it can be tough to grade 3CS. I've been dealing with them largely in VF-AU (mainly XF+). To me this Teletrade ANACS coin screams strong XF. What am I missing here that ANACS gave it less than XF for? The high points of the star have a bit of wear which could even be indicative of an AU. The rest of the coin looks fairly decent; interior shield details, very strong lettering not showing a lot of wear, and something weird (die break?) at the top of the coin. What gives?

roadrunner

For one, the color can hide wear and make it appear better. Also these early trimes are often struck poorly and can look a grade worse than they actually are....esp the obverse detail on the shield and star ridges. ANACs at times will net grade a coin due to poorer striking detail whether deserved or not. I once owned an 1866 seated quarter than they graded AU55 due to weak central striking as is common to this date. In reality, the coin had full luster with a full head/hair detail on Miss Liberty. That's not possible on an AU coin. This particular coin was in fact MS63 or so. ANACS just blew the grade. Many sellers (and even grading services) will confuse strike and wear at times.

roadrunner

ScarsdaleCoin

I would say very little pop or appeal...

Prethen

It seems to me that the strike is pretty decent...especially around the rim with the legend and date. Just because a coin isn't popular doesn't mean that ANACS should net grade it...right? Anyone else with an opinion as to why this go the grade it got?

mozin

Go to "standard" view on Teletrade and you will see the ANACS slab indicating a straight grade of VF30, NOT a net grade.

Prethen

I realize that it's not net graded, but it seems undergraded. Maybe I'm wrong. I just want to figure out what points on the coin are truly NOT XF. The star high points look very lightly worn in the picture.