Transitional Reverse 1939 Jeff W 1938 1940

Part III. Die Installation Errors:

Transitional Reverse (Minor temporal mismatches):

1938 Jefferson nickel with reverse of 1938 or 1940

Definition: Subtle differences in design details can differentiate
dies used in different years. Whether accidental or purposeful, obverse
dies are sometimes mated with a reverse die meant for a previous or subsequent
year. These are often called “transitional reverses”. Well-known
examples include 1992(P) and 1992-D Lincoln cent obverses mated to a 1993
reverse.

Shown below is the reverse style found in 1938
nickels (left) and the reverse style found in 1940 nickels
(right). The reverse of 1938 is often designated “Type 1” and
shows poorly-defined stairs that are somewhat uneven. The reverse of 1940
is often designated “Type 2” and shows better-defined stairs with straight
sides.

Nickels carrying the date 1939 can show either
reverse.