1939-D Reverse of 1938
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint | Denver |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 3,514,000 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | Felix Schlag |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-1346 |
| Last edited |
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Other recorded varieties for 1939-D:
- 1939-D Reverse of 1940 · Reverse of 1940
External references
Denver struck a total of 3,514,000 Jefferson nickels in 1939 (across both reverse sub-types), establishing the 1939-D as one of the scarcest dates in the Jefferson series after the 1950-D key. The Reverse of 1938 sub-type accounts for the majority of 1939-D production and is the more common of the two 1939-D variants. The coin is noticeably scarcer than adjacent years and commands meaningful premiums in all grades.
Strike characteristics for 1939-D Reverse of 1938 are generally adequate but variable. Full Steps designation is difficult to achieve because the original reverse hub produced softer step detail. Well-struck Gem examples with Full Steps command significant premiums over typical strike pieces at the same technical grade, and specialists building high-grade Jefferson nickel sets often consider the 1939-D one of the more challenging early entries.
The 1939-D is typically grouped with the 1938-D and 1938-S as an early Jefferson nickel semi-key. Along with the separate 1939-D Reverse of 1940 variety, it represents the main Denver Mint scarcity challenges before the 1950-D key date. Heritage Auctions regularly offers Mint State examples in the $100 to $500 range depending on grade and strike quality.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $3 | $3 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $4.50 | $5 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $6.50 | $7.50 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $8 | $9 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $12.50 | $14.50 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $25 | $29 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $48 | $55 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
How much is a 1939-D Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel worth?
How many 1939-D Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickels were minted?
What is a 1939-D Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel made of?
What is the melt value of a 1939-D Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel?
Is the 1939-D Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel a key date?
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