1902 Lhn

I had a nice long reply typed up when my laptop froze last night, so I'll try to sumarize what I remember writing. I think this coin is low end Mint state, around MS61/62 I still see a lot of luster, more so on the reverse, I think most dealers would call this AU if they were buying and MS62 if they were selling. The strike is soft, and I think due to that alone is what many might call AU I don't think there is wear on the hair above the forehead, just not struck up well. Nickel is a pretty hard metal and tons of force is needed to get a well struck coin. the wreath at 6:00 shows this really well compared to the top 2/3 of the coin, right where the weak area on the obverse is as well. notice how flat the bow on the ribbon looks, not wear in my eye but all strike related. I have handled a lot of proof nickel in this series over the years, next time you are at a coin show take a look at some of them to see just how fully struck nickels can look. Finding really nice well struck coins in business strike can be quite a challange.

Bottom line MS61 for me, I think most would call this one AU though. There is still enough luster in the fields and I see no wear in them nor hairlines, so I'm at mint state uncirculated all the way. The verdigris on the reverse would also be a hinderence to grading at a TPG, see if an acetone soak or verdi-care might help remove this gunk, it doesn't look like corrosion (that's good), but if it does come off with a soak, it may leave a discolored area where it was, (that's bad), but would look better without it on the coin even if a darker or lighter area appears in it's place.

I agree with westcoin that by removing the gunk, you may find slight discoloration underneath it. I don't see any wear except minor ticks on the reverse and yes, a softer strike as evident by left half of obverse and as mentioned, bow reverse.
All in all, I'd put your coin at MS62.