Expert: Joe Hylas - 7/9/2007

Question
I have a 1921 Peace Dolllar that I sent to NGC for grading. The coin came back ungraded as "improperly cleaned." The coin has another "problem" that NGC did not address even though I made a note of it on the submission form. The rim is smoothed out (not dented) under the number 1 of the date and similarly above the S of STATES on the reverse. There is a crack through the entire planchet that runs from the edge through the S on the reverse and just on the left edge of the 1 to just short of the designer's initials on the obverse. The coin itself looks uncirculated so the "damage" looks to be from the mint. I have some good digital closeups. How do I find out if this is a mint error?

Answer
If you contact the American Numismatic Assoc., they may be able to help you.
Unfortunately, once NGC determines that a coin has been cleaned, they stop.  They look no further because the will not encapsulate it.  However, ANACS, The ANA grading service, will take the cleaning into consideration and "net grade" the coin.  They also will note die varieties but I beleive that is an additional fee.
Good Luck
Joe Hylas