was looking up nickel prices, and saw for the 39 D there was different reverses, and couldn't tell the differences between the different ones. Like 1939-D Reverse of 1938 1939-D Reverse of 1940, etc. I honestly couldn't tell the differences, and couldn't find any pics. Could someone please explain this to me? Thanks all. Phoenix
Here is a picture of reverse of 38 http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-1639.html here is a picture of type 2 (reverse of 40) http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-446.html The first reverse design (reverse of 38) featured steps that were "wavy" and weak ( reverse of 1938). And the porch was thinner. As a consequence "full step" nickels with the reverse of 1938 are very hard to find compared to the reverse of 1940 variety. The reverse of 1940 has much more defined, sharpend steps with a thicker porch. The 1939 Philly, reverse of 1938, with full steps is a fairly rare and desirable coin. All post 1939 buisness strikes have the reverse of 1940, up until 1970. Basically, The most noticible difference is in the top step of Monticello especially if you are looking at circulated nickels. On the reverse of the 38, the top step is very thin and on the 40 it's noticeably thicker.
