I actually focus on EAC's and early dimes primarily. However, whenever I find other interesting American coins at shows here in Germany, I always pick them up. Here are some of them. I'd like to ask for your opinions on these, including their net grades. I've packed all 4 coins into one post - I hope it is OK. Thanks!
The 1880 Three Cent - XF, weak strike, cleaned. The 1868 - AU, cleaned. The 1871 - XF, details graffiti (scratched). The 1894 - XF, cleaned. Z
In America, we don't usually call the 3-cent a nickel (despite it's composition) (or, we specify that it is a 3-cent nickel as opposed to a 3-cent silver). I'll give you my honest opinion: 1880 3 cent: far too bright for it's condition. It has been cleaned, and I don't like it. 1868 Shield Nickel: Lots of luster. This is a nice AU at least. Great coin. 1871 Shield Nickel: Great patina in most places. Scratches left and right of shield and light cleaning under the 5 make this a problem coin for me. But I love the die break at the date. 1894 Liberty Nickel: Great color, nice wear pattern, good strike.
Thank you, @physics-fan3.14, for your detailed evaluation, much appreciated. I am certainly no expert, but having the coins in hand, I agree with your assessment. The 1871 is somewhat damaged as you observed, and the obverse has been cleaned. The 1880 3C is actually quite bright as you note, but I do not see any cleaning hairlines or scratches. The 1868 nickel actually has mint luster, it is a nice coin in hand.
It is terribly difficult and potentially inaccurate to evaluate coins from photos on a relatively small phone screen. I always defer to those with more experience as well. Z