1939-S 5C Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel
The 1939-S Jefferson Nickel with the Reverse of 1938 is a cherished collector’s piece due to its historical context and distinguishing features. This numismatic gem was minted in San Francisco, and its unique allure stems from its transitional reverse design, which incorporates the original 1938 reverse. The following insights delve deeper into its rarity, mintage, value, and historical significance, elevating its esteemed position in the world of coin collecting.
Mint and Mintage
The 1939-S 5C Reverse of 1938 was minted at the San Francisco Mint. According to PCGS CoinFacts, this particular nickel had a mintage of 6,630,000. While not the lowest in the Jefferson series, the survival of high-quality specimens is limited, adding to their collectible appeal. PCGS #: 4003
Rarity
This nickel is particularly notable for its lower survival rate in high grades, primarily because many were circulated over time. The Reverse of 1938 variants are known for their less pronounced, more subtle details compared to later reversals. This subtlety makes it challenging to find specimens with sharp strikes, contributing to its rarity.
Value and Market Performance
The 1939-S Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel sees heightened interest among collectors, especially in mint condition. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, with MS65 and above particularly desirable. Collectors have observed premium values due to its transitional design and low high-grade availability. Over recent years, auction results have highlighted record sales. Mint-state coins have consistently fetched significant sums. For instance, MS67 examples have realized prices upwards of several thousand dollars, given their condition rarity. Lesser grades in circulated condition range more modestly, reflecting the varied collector interest based on condition.
Numismatic Perspective
From a numismatist's viewpoint, the 1939-S Reverse of 1938 holds substantial historical and aesthetic value. It bridges the design evolution from the original Jefferson Nickels to versions with more pronounced detail. This series retained Felix Schlag’s Monticello reverse design, embodying the transitional artistic intent of the era. The nickel represents a period of U.S. history on the brink of World War II, reflecting both artistic persistence and economic constraints of coin production during turbulent times. Collectors value the piece not only for its unique reverse but also as a touchpoint in the numismatic landscape of pre-war America.
Collecting and Authentication
When collecting 1939-S nickels, verification is crucial, as subtle differences in the reverse could easily be overlooked by novice collectors. Authentication by prestigious grading services such as PCGS or NGC can verify originality, grade specificity, and strike type, ensuring the collector's confidence in adding this piece to their collection. In sum, the 1939-S 5C Reverse of 1938 holds a prominent place in numismatic circles due to its limited mintage, rarity in higher grades, and historical significance. As an enduring symbol of early Jefferson Nickels, it continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
