Hello, and good morning!  My first thread appeatently didnt work, so here goes nothing.  I recently bought a 1936 buffalo nickel in BEAUTIFUL shape off an enexperianced friend.  Upon closer examination, I believe it may be a proof.  I have exhausted all reseaources trying to find ways to identify satin proofs from normal strikes to no avail.  Do any of you have any clue how to differtiate them?

how i tell is look at the finish and compare it to your highest graded one. proofs usually have more luster

I think I saw it. But it looked worn making the high marks shinny. When the field should be. I can't really judge with pictures . I hope your right

Maybe some pics? I looked at some pics of proofs, and found they are really detailed. The horn on the buffalo is very sharp looking. 

Two key diagnostics I use for proof coins, any denomination, would first be sharp, square rim edges. Second, crisp date, lettering and detail. No mushiness whatso ever. Now if it was circulated, "impaired", the same would apply for detail appearance only that you'd most likely need a loupe. As for satin proofs, best left to third party graders considering a normal proof over time could dull enough to become confusing.

The details of the coin have to be sharply defined.

Try to find a list of the die diagnostics of a 1936 Proof Buffalo nickel