Jefferson proof nickel varieties?

[DWLange]

We've been asked to include the Reverse of 1938 and Reverse of 1940 varieties in the Jefferson Nickel proof sets. Before we make a decision, let's hear what you think.

[Hoot]

The is a GREAT idea!

 

The proof nickel of 1939 is a very interesting piece. One can find this coin with both the reverse of 1938 (wavy steps, delicate details) and 1940 (straight steps and strengthened details), but that’s if you look hard. Opposite of its business strike counterpart, production at Philadelphia was better than 90% with the reverse of 1938! Only between 500 and 1,000 of 12,535 proof nickels were produced with the reverse of 1940. Although these specimens are somewhat difficult to locate (especially with smooth surfaces that are not plagued by carbon spots), they represent a very important variety to the proof nickel collector. A MUST for any complete set!

 

What happened with proof nickels of 1940 is even more surprising, however, than what happened in 1939. Most peculiarly, approximately 500 to 1,000 of the 14,158 proof nickels bear the reverse of 1938! Whatever possessed the Mint to use such an odd marriage of dies is a mystery today. Nevertheless, this nickel repeats the identical type as the proof of 1938 (wavy steps and dainty details). Alas, the unusual reverse is said to have been discovered by Mr. Bill Fivaz at the same coin show in the 1970s that Mr. Tom Miller discovered the reverse of 1940 proof of 1939! Such is the common latency of discovery in the Jefferson nickel series, even for such major type differences. Like the 1939 rev. of 1940, this coin is a MUST for the serious proof Jefferson nickel collector!

 

Okay, now it's time to vote YES! for this addition to the proof Jefferson nickel sets!

 

Thanks for the opportunity Dave!

 

Hoot

[spy88]

I agree that they should be included. Indeed, they represent important coins in the Jefferson series and need/merit serious acknowledgement.

[CarlWohlforth]

I wanted them to complete my set. I felt that my proof Jeff set wasn't complete without them. So I'm in favor of adding them.

[Leothelion]

DWLange

 

Don't take this personal but I believe the recognition and designation of 5 step Jefferson nickels is by far, a more important issue that needs to be addressed.

Certainly, 6 steps constitutes a full step nickel but a 5 step designation would be a very welcomed addition to the dedicated NGC Jefferson nickel collector. FS will signify a 6 step coin and 5S (my suggestion) could signify a Jefferson nickel with 5 complete steps.

 

And what you have suggested, has my vote!

 

Thanks, Leo

[jtwax-migration]

Dave,

 

This would most certainly be an added bonus to not only the Jefferson collector but to NGC as well.

 

Regards,

 

 

[DWLange]

Since the response seems to be all in favor, these two varieties have been added to the 1938-42 and 1938-date sets.

[Hoot]

GRRRRRRRREAT! !!!

 

Dave:

 

Hoot

[Richard Popowych]

On 1/26/2004 at 4:08 PM, spy88 said:

I agree that they should be included. Indeed, they represent important coins in the Jefferson series and need/merit serious acknowledgement.

 

[RWB]

Richard,

Check out the new book United States Proof Coins 1936-1942 for detailed information on this series of proofs, including why and how these varieties occurred.