How do you grade a Cent like this?

[physics-fan3.14]

I sometimes question the grading of errors. It just doesn't make much sense. Sure, call it EF, or AU, or UNC... but the numerical grades make less sense once you start looking at mangled pieces of metal. 

 

All that being said, guess the grade on this puppy. I've had it for a while, but just now got around to photographing it. 

 

[bsshog40]

I would think that they would judge the grading by the details of what is not covered by the error. I'm thinking about VF.

[Zebo]

WI-3,  waffle Iron 3

[numisport]

Struck through cloth AU details

[WoodenJefferson]

AU-63 'Struck Through Textile'

Cool looking error

[Conder101]

AU, going by the reverse.  I see just traces of wear on the highest points of the Memorial.

[Six Mile Rick]

With your statement of numerical grades not making sense ---- MS65RB maybe even 66RB. This is based primarily on the reverse fields and the 20% obverse fields that didn't get waffled. AU details mint error would make more sense so I am going to give it an unrealistic grade to match your thoughts. A MS66RB NGC price value of $20 might be the graders thoughts.

[BillJones]

AU

There is some luster and even some mint red, but the luster in the fields is broken. Hence, AU.

[physics-fan3.14]

Good guesses everyone! 

NGC called this MS-64BN. 

I'm not convinced it is UNC, personally, but that's what they said. 

[coinman1794]

They typically grade the unaffected or "normal" areas of the coin. For instance, a coin that is 90% off center is graded by the 10% that exists, and not by the 90% blank planchet. Your coin should be graded by the parts of the fields that are not affected by the strike-thru. I see a slider with a good bit of corrosion, so my guess would have been AU details, environmental damage and would question the MS64 grade.

[e1cnr]

details - environmental damage

corrosion by the IN

[SkyMan]

That's a fun piece.  I like it!

[A.Phillips]

That's unusual penny! I like it! I would guessed AU, but I'm surprised that it comes back as MS64. Congrats!

[MAULEMALL]

As Struck MS 65... I don't think the reverse has wear I think it's a Weak strike to the reverse you can see the left of the top of the mem is weaker than the left...