1927-S 5c Buffalo Nickel #4

I'll venture VF-35.

not sure it is the ugliest I've ever seen...

Yikes.

LMDS obverse, LDS reverse (with possible die subsidence NW of EPU). Heavily clashed and overpolished dies. Weak strike, even for a 1927-S. Pitting, most noticeable on the reverse, suggesting environmental damage that was conserved.

Other than THAT, there is modest, but even, wear. On the obverse, the central hair, cheekbone, eyebrow, braid, and long feathers show modest wear. On the reverse, the head and tail are distinct from the rim, and the eye, neck, beard, and horn show solid detail. There is modest wear on the flank and shoulder. There is evidence of luster in a halo around the central devices.

Balancing die wear, die overpolishing, and strike weakness with the modest wear and residual luster, the obverse would have a technical grade of AU-50 or AU-53. The reverse would have a technical grade of EF-45+ (another example of the "AU slider" that will become EF-48). The net unadjusted technical grade would be AU-50. Yes.

Let the eye appeal adjustments begin. The strike is exceptionally weak, and the die state and overpolishing further add a knock. IMHO, there would be a full point eye appeal deduction here, for a net grade of EF-40. At $61, you are about 15% below EF-40 Greysheet, but are probably close to actual value for this coin.

Lots of strike issues, EF-40.