Owner Comments:
The proof nickel of 1939 is a very interesting piece. One can find this coin with both the reverse of 1938 and 1940, but that’s if you look hard. However, like many second year types, interest waned for the new design among the collecting public, with only 12,535 proof nickels produced. Opposite of its business strike counterpart, production at Philadelphia was better than 90% with the reverse of 1938! Only between 500 and 1,000 proof nickels were produced with the reverse of 1940 and this coin is highly sought by collectors today. Moreover, these specimens are somewhat difficult to locate with smooth surfaces that are not plagued by carbon spots. A clean and brilliant specimen is a rare coin, indeed.
Proof pieces that have excellently preserved surfaces are rare for this date, and some may be found with cameo contrast in some or all of the devices, particularly on the obverse (see my 1939 reverse of 1938 piece). Reverse cameos are a bit more difficult to find.
The current piece is superbly preserved with an utterly beautiful natural rainbow patina. In good light, this coin simply beams with color and underlying brilliance. The coin is mark-free and high-end for the grade, although slightly weak under pillar three in the steps on Monticello. I looked long and hard for a sweet, original piece, and this one certainly fit that bill. (05/08/2006)