Buffalo nickel grading assistance needed

Cucumbor

Hi folks

Below is my new acquisition : a semi-key date (1914 D) buffalo nickel I have trouble grading.

My red book says :
F12 : horn and tail smooth but partially visible. Obverse rim intact
VF 20 : Much of horn visible. Indian's cheekbone worn

I can see the whole horn and almost all the tail.
The obverse rim is everywhere visible even though it's somewhat flat.
Indian's cheekbone is obviously a bit worn

Technically that would mean it grades VF 20.

I'm very pleased with the coin as I got it as part of a lot in a swap with a fellow collector. That said, the overal aspect of the coin isn't pleasant to the point I would call it a VF.
What would you guys say ?

Thanks for your input

MsMorrisine

MsMorrisine

stack images and they will display larger - the posts are width limited

MsMorrisine

what's in the "O" of "OF" ?

see also: PCGS' PhotoGrade: https://www.pcgs.com/photograde#/Buffalo/Grades

Cucumbor

@MsMorrisine said:
what's in the "O" of "OF" ?

Nosebit I guess
Joke aside, some green stuff, soft enough to be easily removed with a toothpick

Thanks for the link

MarkKelley

I like it as a VF 20.

TomB

Whatever you grade it as, keep in mind that the surfaces appear corroded.

AUandAG

Looks like a dug example that's been messed with. Won't likely grade a number grade.

bob

astrorat

VF details, corroded

koynekwest

I think it's an XF45 but it has issues.

Ebeneezer

High VF, low ef. Not certain, but might have been slightly acid treated.

ricko

Looks like a VF, but corrosion will give it 'details'...Cheers, RickO

LanceNewmanOCC

if i had an economy order going out, i'd toss this in it based on the images.

ColonelJessup

@Ebeneezer said:
High VF, low ef. Not certain, but might have been slightly acid treated".

Say the magic word and Groucho will send the duck down with $50.

Cucumbor

Thanks folks for all these answers : let's go for VF details then, I'm OK with that

BUFFNIXX

A minimum grade of XF-40 but it has problems, like having been cleaned or having developed micro porosity over its
years of faithful service.

Cucumbor

Anyhow, I think it's now my most valuable US coin : as you can see, a very modest collection

crazyhounddog

It appears to me the surfaces are lifeless. That leads me to believe it has been dipped, a few times. I don’t see a lot of wear. Too bad about the surfaces.