Indian Head Buffalo Nickel

I'm going to say F-12.

Nice Obverse details, but that horn is just not there. I agree with that VG10.5 grade too.

Based on the horn I would normally agree on a VG rating but I like that the collar is solid and that the words haven't worn into it so I think its a F-12

Trust Me,
Here are the grading acronyms and graphic of a scale so you understand the numbers. AG-Almost Good, G-Good, VG-Very Good, F-Fine, VF-Very Fine, EF (or XF)-Extra Fine, AU-Almost Uncirculated, MS-Mint State

Trustme--I wouldn't be surprised if you catch the 'bug'. Your story is how many of us found out about this vast hobby taking place just below the sound of the change jingling in the world's pockets.

As for grading buffs--I've always used the presence or absence of a certain amount of horn as one indicator--among many--of grade rather than the single determining factor. The rim, hair details, buffalo shoulder, feather details, etc. all contribute to an overall grade. A weak horn obviously won't raise a coin's grade. Likewise a stronger horn on a coin with the letters run into the rim couldn't get the coin's grade above G. In my own collection, I expect higher mintage coins to make the details for the grade in all areas in order to achieve the full grade, but I'll give some slack to a 1921-S if the horn doesn't match the accugrade picture.

(Also, Trustme, the history of the 70 point scale for grading is one of those fairly arcane "stories of the hobby." Google "Sheldon grading scale" to get a little background information if you want it. Many people over the years have tried to move to a 100 point scale, but the 70 point scale is backed up by history, tradition, and--most importantly--money. Only a true revolution could change the Sheldon scale at this point.)