I purchased this 1936 Buffalo Nickel on the bay for $10. I noticed how incredibly well-struck it was. I mean every letter is razor sharp and glossy, with the fields appearing like liquid metal. The bust and buffalo appear somewhat glossy, yet not as reflective as the fields. Could this possibly be a 1936 proof that circulated for a time? There is rim damage present, which is obvious in the photos. It doesn't appear to have been cleaned or polished, at least not to my eye. Something else that stood out to me were the two lines that "frame" 1936- one above and below. I reviewed some TrueView images of 1936 proofs, and the top line is there on some examples, but the bottom line does not extend past the date like on this coin, at least not on any I looked at. It may just be wishful thinking, but dang, this thing looks like a proof in-hand. I'm not a expert on this series, certainly not proof issues, so I look forward to hearing from you all. close-up of "1936" iPhone pics for a different view:
I am not an expert on Buffalo nickels but IMO, judging by your photos, your coin is lacking a lot of detail on both the obverse and reverse. Compare it to this one posted on (of all places) ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/listing/715858657/1936-proof-satin-buffalo-nickel-pcgs-pr?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-art_and_collectibles-collectibles-coins&utm_custom1=54fd8719-708d-46fb-9e94-69dc3465e0d8&utm_content=go_1844702580_70388662475_346397640928_pla-353500745642_c__715858657&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1MXpBRDjARIsAHtdN- 1A9F_- Ytd9KCbOXRR2thc1kvQlGrvYvtSYMlAfjkAwxdIkEpRVndkaAmTdEALw_wcB Enlarge the photos and see what I mean about the details.
Yeah, I see the wear on my coin. That's why I'm wondering if it may be a proof that circulated. It just looks all kinda odd, ya know? But odd in a good way. I took a couple. I really hate the rim damage.
Those are not the square-edge rims I'd expect from a proof coin. Therefore, I instantly disqualify this as a proof coin, despite some positive qualities from the face images. I think you have a lightly circulated coin which may have originally come from prooflike dies. These would be early strikes from the die, and would account for the sharper than normal details. Prooflike strikes are known for this date, and would account for the mirror-like qualities you see on this coin. I don't think it qualifies for PL (an instant lottery jackpot on a Buffalo), but I think it is clearly different than a normal business strike. However, I definitely think it is not a proof strike.
Here is a 1936 Brilliant Proof Buffalo Nickel. These coins have very bright, mirrored surfaces with a shine that so overwelming that it is sometimes hard to see the design details under a bright light.