Help with the grade - 1938-D Lincoln

options26

I originally posted this on the registry forum and I am sorry for posting twice, but looking responses. Thanks

I purchased this coin from teletrade in a PCGS67RD holder. I don't believe it is worth the grade. What do you think?

If people agree, I will send back to PCGS for review, I just don't want to waste money if it's not going to go anywhere.

Thanks for the input.

mcgrover

IMO there's a nice strong, crisp strike, almost prooflike. But I find it hard to tell what's on the slab and what's on the coin - for example the cut mark on the cheek? what about the spot over Liberty, and on the lapel? The grade is supposed to be independent of the toning, and while I think the toning and the messy slab detract from the eye appeal, I can't say for sure it deserves a lower grade. A new slab would improve the presentation of this coin, but if the facial toning, and reverse toning (is the splotchiness on the coin?) just aren't to your liking, you might look for a "prettier" coin. IMO

Shamika

64RD based on the image.

centmaster

It's a 65RD on a good day. It wouldn't even be worth the slabbing fee if sent in raw. They should absolutely downgrade it.

options26

There is a cut on the cheek and the black spots on the obverse appear to be carbon spots, I have no clue what up with the reverse. In hand it almost looks like it was cleaned.

lordmarcovan

I agree with options26- I would have guessed it had been cleaned, and my eye also went to the cut on Abe's cheekbone, but I suppose that could be on the holder?

GoldenEyeNumismatics

technically, it is a 65, but due to the spots, I say MS64 RD

LeeG

This one should be sent in to get it off the market.

STONE

I'd give it a safe 65.

morgansforever

Can't beleive that PCGS gave it a 67, with the spots. Thought they were critical of spotting. Nice crisp strike though.

morgans

IrishMike

It looks cleaned and turned in the holder.

291fifth

My opinion: The likelyhood of your getting MS67RED money for that coin is zero. It probably turned in the holder and is now market poison. I have no idea what you paid for it but, if it wasn't a lot, I'd say sell it for whatever you can get and chalk the loss up to the cost of numismatic education. You made a mistake when you bought it. Don't make another mistake by letting yourself become consumed by it.

tjkillian

The spots are way too distracting, I give it only a MS-62Red. I don't like it at all.