1939 Reverse of 1940 Proof

The 1939 Reverse of 1940 proof Jefferson nickel uses the modified reverse hub that was introduced partway through 1939 and became standard for subsequent years. The variety is scarcer than the Reverse of 1938 proof and commands meaningful premiums among specialists who track reverse sub-types. Identification requires comparing the reverse detail to reference images of the two sub-types.

Strike quality on Reverse of 1940 proofs is generally sharper than on Reverse of 1938 proofs, reflecting the improved die configuration that produced crisper step detail and column definition. Full Steps designation is more achievable on the Reverse of 1940 variety, and Gem examples with Full Steps are particularly prized by specialists building high-grade Jefferson proof sets.

The 1939 Reverse of 1940 proof is one of the defining varieties of advanced Jefferson nickel proof collecting. Along with the 1940 Reverse of 1938 proof and the original 1939 reverse sub-types, it represents the transitional period of Jefferson nickel die refinement and is required for comprehensive specialist collections.