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The 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel represents the second year of issue for the Jefferson Nickel series in proof format, continuing a new chapter in American numismatics that had begun just a year earlier in 1938. This coin not only holds significance as part of the early proof run of the modern nickel but also as a testament to the evolution of minting techniques during a period of increased collector interest. Produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1939 proof nickel showcases the artistry of Felix Schlag’s design in brilliant clarity and detail, encapsulating both the ideals of the Founding Fathers and the technological strides of the U.S. Mint in the pre-war era.
The obverse of the 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s bust is rendered in a calm, stately manner, symbolizing his intellectual legacy and commitment to democratic principles. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” flank the portrait, with the date “1939” positioned to the right. Schlag’s design, which had debuted the previous year, retained its clean and symmetrical structure, though slight refinements in the die preparation for proof strikes brought out additional sharpness and detail in Jefferson’s facial features and hair.
The reverse of the coin depicts Jefferson’s neoclassical home, Monticello, in a straightforward architectural style, with the building centered and labeled directly below the dome. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “FIVE CENTS” encircle the periphery, completing the formal design. Though the original depiction of Monticello was considered too flat in early issues, including 1939, it still captured the essence of Jeffersonian architecture and served as a symbol of the nation's Enlightenment-era foundation. Later revisions in the 1940s would enhance depth and dimensionality, but the early versions—including the 1939 proof—remain admired for their clean lines and symmetry.
The 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was then the sole producer of U.S. proof coinage. These coins were manufactured using specially polished dies and carefully prepared planchets, then struck multiple times to bring out the high-relief design and deep, reflective fields. The Mint issued these coins as part of complete five-coin proof sets, which collectors could purchase directly through mail order. Only 12,535 proof nickels were produced in 1939, significantly fewer than in subsequent years, making this issue one of the scarcer early proofs in the Jefferson series and an important key for collectors focused on low-mintage coins.
Proof 1939 nickels are immediately recognizable by their mirror-like surfaces and sharp, full details. The strike quality is typically excellent, with crisp device elements and clean, highly polished fields. The coin’s overall finish displays the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint’s proof coinage team in the late 1930s, when hand-polishing and precision techniques were still relied upon to create a superior product for collectors. As with many early proofs, cameo contrast—a frosted appearance on the raised elements against mirrored fields—was not intentional during this period but can occasionally be found. These cameo examples are rare and especially prized, often commanding substantial premiums in the marketplace.
In terms of condition, many surviving 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickels grade between Proof 63 and Proof 66, though higher-grade examples exist and are highly sought after by registry set collectors and specialists. The surfaces should be free of heavy contact marks or spots, with brilliant luster and strong eye appeal. Hairlines from handling or cleaning are sometimes present, especially on raw or previously ungraded examples, but certified coins in original, high-end condition continue to attract strong demand. Coins graded Proof 67 or higher, especially those designated as “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo,” are considerably scarcer and more valuable due to their quality and visual impact.
The 1939 issue is also notable for its place in the timeline of Jefferson Nickel modifications and varieties. While the proof version was not struck with the two well-known reverse types found on circulation strikes—namely the Reverse of 1938 and the Reverse of 1940—it still exists as a distinct collectible entity. Circulation strikes that year saw a transition in Monticello’s design, but the proof coins maintained consistent dies throughout the issue. This makes the 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel less complicated for variety collectors but no less important for those assembling a comprehensive series set.
Collectors pursuing a full run of proof Jefferson Nickels from 1938 onward often prioritize the 1939 issue due to its low mintage and early production status. While not the absolute rarest in the series, its scarcity compared to later dates and its place in pre-war numismatics elevate its status. Many collectors seek the 1939 proof to pair with its 1938 counterpart, forming the foundation of a long and varied proof nickel series that would evolve over the coming decades through changes in design, minting technology, and cameo finish production.
The historical context of the 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel also adds to its significance. Minted just months before the outbreak of World War II in Europe and amid rising global tensions, the coin reflects a period of American introspection and national pride. The choice of Thomas Jefferson as the face of the nation’s new nickel signaled a desire to honor the country’s Enlightenment roots and ideals of liberty, individual rights, and rational governance—principles that would soon be challenged on a global scale. The coin’s careful production and distribution to collectors also mirrored a growing numismatic culture in the United States, one that would flourish after the war and continue into the modern era.
Today, the 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel stands as both a collectible coin and a historical artifact, appreciated for its artistry, technical precision, and symbolic weight. It serves as a snapshot of U.S. Mint craftsmanship at the dawn of the modern proof era and offers a tangible link to a time when coin collecting was beginning to gain popularity with the American public. For collectors who value rarity, visual quality, and early proof coinage, the 1939 issue remains a foundational piece—desirable not only for its scarcity and beauty but also for the enduring legacy of the man it commemorates and the design it helped launch.