I recently purchased coins from a lady whose husband had passed. Most of his coins were silver or gold and he collected some high-end/graded Morgans. The inner lock box in his safe contained the more valuable items. This is the only coin that was in there that I don't know much about. I don't know why he put this with the valuables. He did not have any other nickels, and 1939 was of no significance to either of them. I got it for free with my purchase, and just recently decided to figure it out. In my 2011 World Coins book, it lists two choices for 1939s (reverse of 38 and 40). After going to PCGS's site, it's pretty clear to me that this is a reverse of 1940 with full, straight and clear steps. It seems to be in better condition than their MS-65 grade example, with very few faint marks visible at 10x+ magnification. The flip that it is in just says "1939s" in his handwriting. Other than that, I don't know what to say. Any help would be appreciated.
also, IMO I'd grade at MS65. I believe there is quite a swing from MS65 to 66 on this coin. May be worth sending in to NGC or PCGS. Doug
I agree. Thanks Doug. I wish there was more examples online. I also noticed some "over-polishing" or tool marks that seem to be under the letters of "Monticello" (not on the raised surface) and a hair of metal protruding from the dome down to the steps (as if there was a crack or scratch in the die). One of the examples on PCGS looks to have the same. They graded this one at MS-66 http://caimages.collectors.com/coinfacts/large/50144080.jpg
Thank you JJK78. I'm going to try to make the coin show that's coming in a couple months. They are supposed to have NGC and/or PCGS reps there to grade coins. I have a handful of coins that I would like graded, just don't know if it's worth it to send them in. I have a similar situation with an 1882 o Morgan, that I believe may be an O over S, EDS in MS-65+.
