Here is what I thought was a good description of the difference between the 1938 and 1940 reverse , Jefferson nickel. I did not write this, A user named "Hoot" on the Collectors-Society web site wrote this. ( http://www.collectors-society.com/r...ail.aspx?PeopleCoinID=157435&PeopleSetID=1393) "The Jefferson nickels of 1939 come with a single obverse and two distinctly different reverses: the reverse of 1938 and 1940. The two distinct reverses herald the Type 1 and Type 2 Jefferson nickels. Dies for each were employed simultaneously during 1939 and at all three Mints. The reverse of 1938 has daintier lettering and weaker definition of Monticello, particularly the door and window details, as well as the steps. The steps of 1938 are wobbly, i.e., not straight and with uneven depths of the incuse lines that define the steps, thus many “bridge points” between the steps. The 1938 reverse in this issue is a challenge to find, especially with full steps. There were six steps in the design and imago, but it appears that all six were virtually never translated to a die in 1938 or 1939, reverse of ‘38. The straight, razor sharp, and deeply incuse steps of 1940 were initially employed in 1939, but by calling them steps of 1940, it makes a clear distinction. In 1939, Philadelphia coined most of the reverse of 1940 pieces, sending most of the reverse of 1938 dies to San Francisco and about equal numbers of ’38 and ‘40 reverses to Denver that year. Thus, the reverse of 1940 is most common on Philadelphia issues, the least common on San Francisco issues, and about equally common on Denver issues. Bern Nagengast, author of The Jefferson Nickel Analyst, estimates that Philadelphia coined about 10% rev. of ’38 pieces, while Denver coined about 50% and San Francisco coined about 75%. I believe that one’s perception of the relative distributions can be affected by geography. (I've collected a lot of these coins from the intermountain west and western states.) My own collecting experience tells me that Nagengast’s distribution is about right, but I'd say the Denver issues were about 60% rev of 38 and 40% rev of 1940, at least for surviving mint state coins. I've not found any reference material that indicates the number of dies manufactured for each facility and a breakdown of their reverse types, and frankly, I doubt this is known. The coin that I have included in this set is the reverse of 1938, and simply breathtaking in-hand. Surfaces of this nickel are very lovely – satiny and beaming with Mint luster - and it can easily be regarded as PQ for the grade. Exquisitely struck and virtually mark-free, the coin glows with a transparent rose and blue patina. One of my most excellent and rare acquisitions for this set. (11/13/05)" Just wondering what you nickel experts thought about this description. Anything you would add? I always have trouble finding and info on the subject. Also, how hard is it in your opinion to decipher between the 2 reverses. Is there a certain method you use? Thanks!
That is probably about as good of an explanation as you are going to get. Hoot really is a recognized expert. He has had a great many articles on the subject published in various magazines like Coin World and Coin Values. Not to take anything away from Speedy, but we can all take lessons from Hoot also known as Mark Hooten a man I am proud to call a friend.
I am by no means an Expert....and I really enjoy reading Marks writings! I have some old mag's around here that he wrote in quite a bit....he is always interesting!! Speedy
Is there any way to tell a 38 reverse from a 40 reverse for a circulated coin? Attached is 15 examples from a roll of 39's a have. These are probably in the best condition from the group. I studied the photos and description above but I'm not sure if it can be used for circulated coins. Thanks Darryl http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/39PReverses.jpg
Played with the scope today at lunch. It was an interesting study. Took pictures of: A circulated 38P A circulated 40P two of the better 39P's - I picked one of the 39's because I think it is the only chance at a 38 reverse. What I noticed is that the furthest right door (Northwest Piazza door) seems more pointed on top and narrower (like a pointed bullet) on the 40 reverse. The 38 reverse seems to be more rounded and slightly wider. Now all of this can be just the result of different wear patterns - just trying to figure it out. The settings and position of the coins under the scope were not not changed from coin to coin. WARNING - very large pictures http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/38P1.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/40P1.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/39P12.jpg http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/USS656/39P13.jpg
The discription is good as any I,ve seen. USS656 For BU examples the difference is easily distinguished by the steps. With uncirculated examples where the steps are worn smooth the look at the door and windows on the portico. In the reverse of 38 these features are very weak and better defined on the 40 reverse. In your photos I would guess the two 39's are both reverse of 40 by the looks of the windows. 39 reverse 40 http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=28014&Lot_No=24183#Photo 1938D http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=461&Lot_No=7359#Photo
Thanks!!! - that 38 on Heritage is something else. It also blows my theroy out of the water. I really need to buy some higher end 38 and 40 nickels!
I highly recommend 'The Jefferson Nickel Analyst' by Bernard A. Nagengast for anyone interested in the Jefferson series it not only explains the 39 reverses but all the various die modifications throughout the series up to 2000. Great resource! Can be had on ebay for about $25. Bernard Nagengast sell them himself and goes by ebay username KOINTAINER.
