1982 Jefferson Reverse Die Varieties?

From what I have read the reverse of 1977 was used into 1982. So I think that is the reverse of 1977 as you have labeled. The steps where made thicker than the 1971 reverse. After 1979 master hub wear and die wear started to show on the coins as worn lettering and orange peel effect. In 1982 the only change that I have read was that the steps were modified to be sharper. This was used until 1987 when the reverse was re-engraved.

A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson nickels is where I read it out of. It very well could be on the net I don't know.

It's surprising that there has never been much interest in these.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Philly type I doesn't proof quite
elusive especially in high grades.

Great Observation, Wheezy! As you know I look through a TON of nickels, but never noticed this at all. If you look at the two photos that you provided, it seems clear to me that the lower right serif of the final A in America is to the right of the porch of Monticello on the Reverse of 77, but is aligned with the edge of the porch on the Reverse of 82. This would counter the Mint's contention that only the steps were strengthened

Speaking of that, did you ever find the 1950-D? Inquiring minds want to know.

"it seems clear to me that the lower right serif of the final A in America is to the right of the porch of Monticello on the Reverse of 77, but is aligned with the edge of the porch on the Reverse of 82. This would counter the Mint's contention that only the steps were strengthened."


Hawkeye. Great observation. It makes a good PUP (pickup point).

"Wheezy, what an interesting post! After reading this I pulled out my Nagengast book and read about the design changes. You are right. Among other changes, the letters were moved farther away from the rim on the reverse of 1982. I never knew this. Thanks! But that's not all! According to the book, the same is true for the obverse. Among other design strengthening changes, the letters were again moved farther away from the rim on the obverse of 1982. Wheezy, check out your obverses also!"

This means a mule is possible.

These aren't uncommon on moderns and probably (usually) occur at the
beginning of the year when a technician gets confused and fails to
change one of the dies (normally reverse).

It would really be something to find a 1971 with a 1970 reverse. And the value of a 1970 D with a 1971 6 step reverse would be absolutely through the roof as this is a very difficult nickel to find with 4 or more steps. Now these would be VERY OBVIOUS to detect too.
I never saw one myself, Although, I don't run across many 1971 nickels either. I've seen a good number of 1970 D 1970 S and 1971 D nickels.