1916 S Buffalo Nickel

This coin actually looks a lot better in hand I think the lights wash out the details a little and make the defects show.

looks like 2 different coins. the detail on the in-hand set is considerably different

the 16S strike can go from decent to weak. Overall, I would rate your coin's strike as leaning towards the soft side based on the first set of photos. one area that stands out and confirms the strike is the definition of the feather ends and the hair on top of the head as well as the sharpness of the date and LIBERTY letters

3/4 horn despite the flatness from the strike and you can still see the split tail.

based on your initial photos there are extensive small contact marks on the obverse and reverse. On the obverse, these are most evident on the above the braid tie and along the bottom of the buffalo's body but looking at your reposted photos these are probably not that visible in hand. I dont think they would detail the coin.

The areas with weaker details appear to be the result of strike weakness or die polishing, varying by the location of the weakness.
the photos suggest that the coin could have been cleaned some time ago but should grade straight

taking into consideration strike weakness i'll net this one down from XF45 to XF40 using the in-hand photos

Definitely a weak/ below average strike on this one. Not much in the way of die polishing though, so I'd blame strike for the loss of details. Some light residual luster in the protected areas. Taking strike into account, XF40/45. I would call this XF40 due to strike and the hairlines, maybe even net VF35. I see a decent number of light obverse hairlines as well, so a TPG XF details wouldn't surprise me. I'd give it a pass if it doesn't look any worse in hand.


If it were mine I'd also address the reverse green with acetone, then xylene and see what can be pulled. Others may say just leave it be

sellers pictures