1939 Jefferson With 38 Reverse?

I think it was a subtle change in 1939 to the building, maybe the steps?

In short, all the 1939 Jefferson nickels can be found with either the weak and wavy step detail of the 1938 reverse or the strong redesigned and defined straight steps of the 1940 Jefferson nickel.
This includes the 1939 proof.

There are most likely quite a few more of the 1938 reverse for business strikes on all 1939's.
The 1939 Proof can be found both ways but the 1940 reverse on the proof is usually much more desirable.
on the other hand

I know of no 1940 business strikes with the reverse of 1938, however a handful of 1940 Proof nickels with the 1938 reverse with wavy steps are known to exist, they are rare and in my opinion, sell well below what they ought to sometimes.
The Buy it Now prices are usually very high, ( from $500.00 and up ) but with true auctions, they usually go for a lot lower when the hammer falls. Sometimes only 2 to 4 times the value of a regular 1940 Proof.

I do not own the scarcer proof versions but I might have all 6 of the business strike varieties.
Glad to find this topic, it will make me go look.

I know I am not smarter than a fifth grader!

Thanks for the but there are a lot more knowledgeable than me on the series. I learned from other people, not much original stuff coming from me.

I know I can't stop, I know that much.