'Maybe there remains a shred of honest, accurate grading for some of the more common gold coins? If the least marked-up piece is accurately graded MS-65, then so be it.'
That is YOUR opinion which you are certainly entitled to. I just don't happen to share it. To me it has more to do with what a grader thinks of the coin overall. Of course I think they try to give an honest assessment, its just honesty has less to do with it imo.
As I said, some pieces were taken directly by the mint people straight from the dies. What this implies to me is certain coins never had even close to a good strike and the designers did not know what they were doing because after around 66 the marks are pretty much supposed to go away. Believe what you want. A far as grading, I have looked at them my whole life and quite frankly they are all over the map at times. The grade, Its just an opinion. But I do believe that they try to do their best with the skills that the grader has and the tools available to him.
I know the real reason why..But for the sake of argument I won't go into it.. But I do agree that if the best coin only grades 65 so be it.
I'm out. Everyone have a great day and hope you find that special one today.