Seems like the painful reminders to dig carefully always happen to destroy the greatest coin finds. It's always worth it to slow down and pinpoint accurately.
Awesome find, would love to see the pix!!!! Sadly I know just how you feel, last year I found my 1st ever SLQ and it was a Semi Key Date 1918d in perfect condition till my Leache got it... So don't be too hard on yourself, the way I see it, its better to have a scratched coin than no coin at all.