1939 5C Reverse of 1938 (Regular Strike)

Series: Jefferson Five Cents 1938-1964

PCGS MS67+

PCGS MS67+

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REVERSE COMPARISON

REVERSE COMPARISON

PCGS MS67+

PCGS MS67+

PCGS #:
4003
Designer:
Felix Schlag
Edge:
Plain
Diameter:
21.20 millimeters
Weight:
5.00 grams
Mintage:
120,627,535
Mint:
Philadelphia
Metal:
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Current Auctions - PCGS Graded
Current Auctions - NGC Graded
For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded
For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades Survival
Estimate
Numismatic
Rarity
Relative Rarity
By Type
Relative Rarity
By Series
All Grades 19,000,000 R-1.0 9 / 68 TIE 12 / 82 TIE
60 or Better 67,500 R-2.3 5 / 68 8 / 82
65 or Better 60,000 R-2.4 12 / 68 TIE 15 / 82 TIE
Survival Estimate
All Grades 19,000,000
60 or Better 67,500
65 or Better 60,000
Numismatic Rarity
All Grades R-1.0
60 or Better R-2.3
65 or Better R-2.4
Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades 9 / 68 TIE
60 or Better 5 / 68
65 or Better 12 / 68 TIE
Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades 12 / 82 TIE
60 or Better 8 / 82
65 or Better 15 / 82 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos Grade Image Pedigree and History
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
#1 MS67 PCGS grade
Jaime Hernandez:
In 1939, the Mint struck 1939 Jefferson nickels with two different reverse designs. The first design is referred to as a "Reverse of 1938." The second design is referred to as, a "Reverse of 1940."

The transition took place due to minor flaws on the reverse design. The original design had weak and curved step details on the Monticello building located on the reverse design of the coin. The easiest place to notice the curving on the steps is on the center below the last step on the Monticello building, where it curves significantly once compared to the new design.

Therefore, on the new design or the "1939 Reverse of 1940" the design displays sharper details and a straighter set of steps on the Monticello building on the reverse of the coin.

The 1939 Jefferson nickel with a Reverse of 1938 must have been produced for a very short period of time, since it is the scarcer of the two different reverse varieties.