What if my 1799 bust dollar has been cleaned?

Question

I heard that PCGS will not grade a harsh cleaned coin.

first of all, how do I know how damaged the coin is and how strict are they with this issue? second, will any one else grade it?

Answer 1

Most grading services will not grade a cleaned coin. You will get it back in what is called a "body bag". You will still have to pay the fee. ANACS used to net grade cleaned coins and state so on the slab. You will have to check that out with them. Go to there site and email them www.anacs.com. Get a magnifing glass and look at the coin, if there are small scratches all over it, then it has been cleaned, also look for the scratches going over the legends. If there are raised dots or indented dots (pock marks) it is a fake.  

Answer 2

PCGS will grade it if you tell them you know it was cleaned. They will note in the grading that it has been cleaned and grade it accordingly. The value may go down, but at least you'll know what it's worth.