Jeff Nickels (Reverse Of 40)

yep:

Most 1939 Proof nickels were struck with dies that were either used in 1938 or were of the same style with very poorly defined steps on Monticello. Some 1939 Proofs were minted with dies intended to be used in 1940 with very sharp and distinct steps on Monticello.

Ahead now to 1940: Almost all 1940 Proof Nickels were struck with the dies that were intended, resulting in the correct and sharp steps for that year. A few 1940 proof coins have been found with very wavy , ill defined steps indicating that dies from 1938 or dies of that same type were used to strike 1940 proof coins.

So the ones that are important are the 1939 proof nickels with sharp steps and the 1940 proof nickels with "mushy" steps.

hey chuck, could be ...but I just check the steps.

Also, it is the proof nickel with the sharp steps that has a premium above what would be normal for the same coin without the sharp steps.

It is also important to say that in 1939, P D and S business strikes can be found with both types of steps but they are all easy to find so there is very little premium if any on business strikes with the sharper steps and dated 1939 P, D or S.

On the 1940 business strikes, there are no known weak steps pieces.

Thanks,
Bill