The pics to me, the underneath looks too smooth. That being said, maybe someone decided to sand it smooth because it looked a mess.
A small area can be wiped with solvent on the area where the air box seal rubs to reveal the "green resin", no need to sand. I highly doubt anyone with any interest in an authentic A12 hood will detract any value in doing so, as it IS the way to authenticate it. Feel good stories about who bought it, when and where are nice but lend very little when authenticity of a 50 year old hood is needed. They've been repopping these hoods for a very long time. I remember them in Year One catalogues from the 80's, as well seeing one on the wall at Harden's Muscle Car World (long gone, bought by NPD).
It's a nice clean hood, no doubt.....But, if your wanting to sell, it's the difference between a $600 hood and a $2,000 hood. Remember, you asked what a mint original A12 hood was going for ………...and you've checked the boxes mint and A12...…...next is original or reproduction.
Big D, is perhaps more in tune with a few other fine details as he's well known in the A12 world and absolutely knows his stuff. What say you Darrin?