So I’m trying to learn identifying markers to tell reverse dates apart and was wondering if this 1939 S nickel looks to you guys to have a reverse of a 40 like I suspect? Also what grade would you guys give this beauty??
Hard to tell from your pics, but I'm thinking it is a reverse of 38. Here is a comparison photo from PCGS. Note the defined vertical lines on either side of the steps.
Daulton - Your photos are too blurry. Best to isolate your coin and crop out the unnecessary. It will create better focus for the members. Look at the S in PLURIBUS. If there is a serif, you have the 1940 reverse. If not, you have the 1938 reverse. Keep in mind that the reverse quantities vary by mint mark. For instance, the 1939 P with the reverse of the 1938 is the more valuable find. For at least one of the other mints, the reverse (of the situation) is true (i.e., the 1939/40 reverse is more valuable). Good luck.
Click the link below for an old but good thread I wrote on the subject. Jefferson Nickels Reverse of 38 vs Reverse of 40
