1939 Nickel Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1939 Jefferson nickel marks a pivotal moment in American numismatics—struck during the nation’s recovery from the Great Depression and just months before World War II erupted in Europe.

While millions were minted across three facilities, certain die varieties and pristine specimens now command prices reaching $26,400. Whether you’ve inherited a collection or found loose change in a drawer, understanding the difference between a common circulated piece and a valuable variety could mean thousands of dollars. This guide reveals exactly what your 1939 nickel is worth.

 

1939 Nickel Value By Variety

This is a 1939 Jefferson Nickel value chart showing market values for different mint marks, varieties, and special strikes across various grade conditions.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1939 Nickel Worth Money

The 1939-D Reverse of 1940 graded MS68 Full Steps tops the list at $26,400—sold at Stack’s Bowers during the August 2019 ANA auction in Rosemont, Illinois. That price is nearly three times the value of the tenth-ranked coin on the list.

The second-ranked “Doubled Monticello” variety reflects how minting accidents become collector treasures. Its $23,500 sale price demonstrates how a die error can transform an ordinary five-cent coin into a highly prized rarity.

All ten of the most valuable 1939 nickels are special varieties. Nine are “Reverse of” versions and one is the Doubled Monticello. This pattern shows that collectors prize both die pairings and manufacturing anomalies—coins that document rare moments in Mint history.

 

History Of The 1939 Nickel

The 1939 Jefferson nickel is only the second year of production for a series that replaced the Buffalo nickel in 1938. The Buffalo nickel had long been difficult to strike and wore poorly, and after completing its mandatory 25-year production run, the Mint moved quickly to replace it.

The Mint announced an open design competition in late January 1938, with a $1,000 prize for the winner. The deadline was April 15, 1938, and Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross and three sculptors served as judges. On April 20, they reviewed 390 entries; four days later, Felix Schlag—a German immigrant who had arrived in the United States just nine years earlier—was announced as the winner.

Schlag’s original reverse was bold and inventive: a three-quarters perspective of Monticello that included a tree in the foreground. Treasury officials rejected it. They disliked the modernistic lettering, and famously objected to the tree, believing it was a palm tree that Jefferson could not have grown. Schlag was required to redesign the reverse entirely—at no additional compensation under the competition rules—delivering the flat, head-on view of Monticello that appears on Jefferson nickels to this day.

Art historian Cornelius Vermeule later described the Treasury’s change bluntly, calling the substituted design a “mausoleum of Roman profile” that replaced what had been an “interesting, even exciting” composition. Notably, Schlag’s initials were omitted from the coin entirely—either through oversight or misunderstanding—and were not added until 1966.

In 1939, the Philadelphia Mint struck 120,627,535 nickels—eclipsing the previous record mintage for the nickel denomination set in 1936. The Denver and San Francisco Mints produced much smaller quantities, setting the stage for the value differences collectors still track today.

The year 1939 also proved historically significant beyond numismatics. World War II erupted in Europe that September, and while the United States maintained neutrality, the global conflict would soon reshape American society. Just three years later, in 1942, nickel was designated a strategic war material, and the coin’s composition changed entirely. The 1939 nickels thus represent one of the last peacetime issues before that transformation.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 1939 Nickel Rare?

Check the rarity and rankings of your 1939 nickels using our CoinValueChecker App—from common circulation strikes to divine-rated CAM proofs.

 

Key Features Of The 1939 Nickel

The 1939 Jefferson nickel features distinctive design elements that make it recognizable and collectible. From Jefferson’s classic profile to Monticello’s architectural details, each aspect of the coin tells a story. Let’s explore the key features found on the obverse, reverse, and other specifications that define this historic nickel.

The Obverse Of The 1939 Nickel

The obverse of the 1939 nickel showcases Felix Schlag’s portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left. Numismatic scholar Cornelius Vermeule noted Schlag’s bust was closely modeled on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1789 sculpture of Jefferson.

Jefferson’s profile displays his characteristic 18th-century hairstyle tied back at the neck. The word “LIBERTY” appears prominently along the left rim, while “1939” sits to the right of the portrait.

Above Jefferson’s portrait, the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed in small letters. The design emphasizes simplicity and dignity, reflecting Jefferson’s intellectual legacy.

The Reverse Of The 1939 Nickel

The reverse features a front-facing view of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic Virginia estate. The neoclassical building displays detailed architectural elements including columns, windows, and entrance steps.

“MONTICELLO” is inscribed directly below the building. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) arcs across the top rim, and “FIVE CENTS” appears in the middle lower area. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the bottom rim.

Mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) appear to the right of Monticello. The 1939 nickels were produced with two distinct reverse varieties—Reverse of 1938 and Reverse of 1940—distinguished by differences in the straightness and definition of Monticello’s steps.

Other Features Of The 1939 Nickel

The 1939 Jefferson nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel—a composition unchanged since the Shield nickel of 1866. It weighs exactly 5.00 grams with a diameter of 21.21 millimeters and a plain, smooth edge.

The coin’s composition would remain the same until October 1942, when nickel was designated a strategic war material. From 1942 to 1945, nickels were struck in a copper-silver-manganese alloy (35% silver), making the 1939 issue one of the last traditional-alloy nickels for several years.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1939 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 120,627,535 nickels in 1939, setting a new denomination record. Denver struck just 3,514,000 pieces and San Francisco produced 6,630,000—making the 1939-D the second-scarcest regular-issue Jefferson nickel by mintage (behind only the 1950-D), and the 1939-S the fourth-lowest production total in the entire series.

Survival rates vary significantly by variety. The Reverse of 1938 Philadelphia coins survive at lower rates than their Denver and San Francisco counterparts—collector awareness of the improved 1940 reverse led to increased preservation of those coins at Philadelphia. At the branch mints, the low total mintage meant coins were saved regardless of variety.

Proof coin survival shows the starkest contrast of all. The Reverse of 1938 Proof retains a 75.79% survival rate, while the Reverse of 1940 CAM (Cameo) variety suffered dramatic attrition, with only around 0.40% surviving. The fragile cameo surface contrast is easily lost through circulation, improper storage, or even routine handling, causing coins to lose their CAM designation permanently.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

How Full Steps (FS) Affects Your 1939 Nickel Value

One of the most important — and most misunderstood — factors in 1939 nickel valuation is the Full Steps (FS) designation. This refers to whether the steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse show five or six complete, uninterrupted horizontal lines.

Full Steps examples are significantly scarcer than regular strikes because achieving them requires near-perfect die alignment, planchet quality, and striking pressure all at once. According to PCGS CoinFacts, more than half of the 1939 Philadelphia Reverse of 1940 examples they have certified do show Full Steps — making this one of the better-struck dates in the entire series.

A non-Full Steps 1939 Philadelphia nickel in MS65 might sell for $10–$20. The same coin with Full Steps can command $100 or more. At MS67 Full Steps, values jump dramatically, and the MS68 Full Steps tier is where record prices are set — as seen with the $26,400 sale for the 1939-D.

When examining your coin for Full Steps, use 5x–10x magnification and look at the horizontal lines between the six columns at the base of Monticello. All five lines (or six, for a 6FS designation) must be complete and unbroken across the full width of the staircase.

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1939 Nickel Value

The difference between a Reverse of 1938 and Reverse of 1940 die pairing can mean thousands of dollars — yet these varieties differ only in minute design elements on Monticello’s architecture. Miss this identification, and a $15,000 coin might be valued at a fraction of its worth.

CoinValueChecker APP simplifies this process through visual identification technology. Photograph your coin, and the app analyzes die characteristics, mint marks, and condition indicators against current market data, delivering precise valuations instantly.

 

1939 Nickel Value Guides

The 1939 nickel series comprises five major categories determined by mint facility and production method.

• 1939 No Mint Mark Nickel
• 1939-D Nickel
• 1939-S Nickel
• 1939 Proof Nickel
• 1939 CAM Nickel

Regular circulation strikes came from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Beyond those, Philadelphia also struck specialized proof coins on polished planchets using specially prepared dies. Each category contains multiple die varieties, making this a rich and complex series to collect.

1939 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

1939 Reverse of 1938 Nickel Value

The 1939 Reverse of 1938 nickel is a die pairing variety where 1939-dated coins were struck using reverse dies originally designed for 1938. This reverse features weak, curved step details on the Monticello building — most noticeable at the center below the last step, where significant curvature appears compared to the corrected 1940 design.

Numismatic researcher Jaime Hernandez of PCGS CoinFacts notes that this variety was produced for only a brief period in 1939, making it the scarcer of the two reverse types struck that year. The Greysheet (CDN) lists 1939 nickel values as high as $26,500 for the finest specimens across all varieties.

PCGS auction records show the highest confirmed sale for a 1939 Philadelphia Reverse of 1938 nickel was $5,288 for an MS67+ specimen at Heritage Auctions in February 2014.

Historical auction performance demonstrates how this variety has traded across different quality levels and market conditions.

Market activity reveals ongoing interest in this transitional die variety as part of complete Jefferson nickel collections.

1939 Reverse of 1940 Nickel Value

The 1939 Reverse of 1940 nickel reflects the U.S. Mint’s mid-year design correction that addressed the curved, weakly defined steps of the original 1938 reverse. The improved reverse displays sharper details and straighter steps on Monticello, particularly at the center where the rounded border was replaced with a more linear, defined edge.

This is the predominant reverse type of 1939 — at least twice as common as the Reverse of 1938 variety. According to PCGS CoinFacts, more than half of all examples they have certified feature Full Steps (FS), making this one of the better-struck Philadelphia dates in the series. Scarcity emerges sharply at the MS67 Full Steps level and above.

The auction record for a Philadelphia Reverse of 1940 nickel stands at $23,500, achieved by an MS68 Full Steps specimen at Heritage Auctions in February 2014.

Tracking historical auction results provides insight into how market values have evolved for this corrected die variety.

Sustained collector engagement reflects the variety’s status as the standard 1939 reverse type and its accessibility for comprehensive Jefferson nickel sets.

 

1939-D Nickel Value

The 1939-D nickel was struck at the Denver Mint with a total production of just 3,514,000 pieces — making it the second-scarcest regular-issue Jefferson nickel in the entire series, behind only the 1950-D. By 1939, the novelty of the new Jefferson design had faded, and fewer collectors set aside examples, especially from the lower-mintage Denver facility.

Numismatist Walter Breen noted that the Reverse of 1938 variety accounts for approximately 40% of 1939-D survivors, making Full Steps examples in that variety exponentially rare. The finest certified example — a PCGS MS68 Full Steps Reverse of 1940 specimen — sold for $26,400 at Stack’s Bowers during the August 2019 ANA auction in Rosemont, Illinois.

Even circulated 1939-D examples command a solid premium. The coin averages around $6.73 in circulated grades, but Mint State examples range from $72 to over $100, and Full Steps specimens climb dramatically from there.

Price trends across auction venues show the scarcity of this Denver Mint issue in the marketplace.

The activity levels of dealers and collectors reflect steady demand for this semi-key date across all quality levels.

 

1939-S Nickel Value

The 1939-S nickel from the San Francisco Mint had a mintage of 6,630,000 pieces, making it the fourth-lowest mintage in the entire Jefferson nickel series. The coin comes in two reverse varieties — and the rarity profile between them is surprisingly asymmetric.

Among regular (non-Full Steps) examples, the Reverse of 1940 is nearly ten times scarcer than the Reverse of 1938. For Full Steps examples, however, the situation reverses: the Reverse of 1938 Full Steps is the harder coin to find. This scarcity doesn’t automatically translate to proportionally higher prices — collector demand ultimately drives market value, not rarity alone.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1939-S Reverse of 1938 is very common in MS65 and MS66, but the population drops sharply at MS67, creating a genuine condition rarity at that level. The auction record stands at $8,050 for a PCGS MS66 Full Steps specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on February 9, 2006.

Past auction results show how grading and die variety combinations affect pricing for this San Francisco issue.

Market participation reflects Jefferson nickel specialists’ continued interest in coins from this scarce production period.

 

1939 Proof Nickel Value

The 1939 proof nickel represents the Philadelphia Mint’s specialized production for collectors, with a total mintage of 12,535 pieces. Each coin was struck on a polished planchet (called a “blank”) using specially prepared dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that clearly distinguish them from circulation strikes.

Proof (PR) coins were produced with both the Reverse of 1938 and Reverse of 1940 die varieties during 1939’s transitional production period. Most surviving examples grade between PR64 and PR67, with PR68 specimens representing significant condition rarities.

The highest confirmed price for a 1939 proof nickel is $18,400 for a Reverse of 1938 PR68 specimen, sold at Bowers & Merena in August 2010. Entry-level proof examples in PR64 remain relatively accessible, but the price curve steepens sharply at PR67 and above.

Historical auction data demonstrates how proof varieties from this transitional year have performed across different quality levels.

Collector interest in early Jefferson proof nickels remains strong, particularly for examples exhibiting both die varieties from this important production year.

 

1939 CAM Nickel Value

The 1939 CAM (Cameo) proof nickel is a surface quality designation applied to select coins within the 12,535 proof mintage. CAM coins display pronounced contrast between frosted (textured) design elements and deeply reflective, mirror-like fields.

This cameo effect results from die preparation techniques that left the raised design devices with a textured, frosted finish while the background fields were polished to a high sheen. The contrast between these two surfaces is what earns a coin its CAM designation from PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

The Reverse of 1940 CAM variety is among the rarest in the entire 1939 nickel series. Only approximately 50 coins survive from the original mintage — a survival rate of just 0.40%. The CAM surface is extremely fragile: even minor contact or improper storage can degrade the contrast enough to disqualify a coin from the designation.

A Reverse of 1940 PR67 CAM specimen sold for $10,350 in April 2012. The combination of fragile surface characteristics and a tiny survivor population creates genuine scarcity for collectors seeking cameo-designated examples from this year.

Price history across auction platforms demonstrates how cameo designation dramatically affects valuations for these proof varieties.

Market activity patterns reflect the specialized nature of cameo proof collecting within the broader Jefferson nickel market.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1939 Nickel Error List

The 1939 Jefferson nickel series includes several documented die variety errors and mechanical minting mistakes. These errors range from doubled die reverses and obverses to quadrupled die varieties and off-center strikes. Unlike intentional die pairings, these errors occurred accidentally during die manufacturing or the striking process.

1939 Doubled Monticello

The 1939 Doubled Monticello is one of only three major doubled die varieties in the entire circulation strike Jefferson nickel series — and the most dramatic of the three. The other two are the 1943 Doubled Die Obverse and the 1945 Doubled Die Reverse.

This doubled die reverse (DDR) occurred when the hub (the master tool used to create working dies) struck the die multiple times with slight misalignment between impressions, permanently embedding the doubled design. The doubling is most visible on “FIVE CENTS” (shifted toward the southeast) and on “MONTICELLO” (shifted eastward) — both visible to the naked eye without magnification.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, an estimated 1,000–1,500 examples exist across all grades. Most are in lower circulated condition (VF and below), with roughly 100 examples in XF, 150–200 in AU and above, and only about 150 in Mint State — with most of those clustering in MS64 and MS65. The PCGS confirmed auction record is $4,600 for an MS67 example sold at Bowers & Merena in September 2002.

Values range from approximately $20 for worn circulated examples to over $1,000 for Mint State specimens with Full Steps. The FS-801 designation in the Fivaz-Stanton reference guide identifies this same variety with standardized attribution.

1939 DDR FS-801

The FS-801 designation is the standardized catalog attribution for the 1939 Doubled Monticello variety as documented in the Fivaz-Stanton reference guide. This notation appears on certification labels from PCGS and NGC and helps distinguish this specific variety from minor or unlisted doubled die reverses in the 1939 production.

The diagnostic characteristics match the main Doubled Monticello variety exactly — strong doubling on “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. The FS-801 attribution simply confirms the coin has been cataloged and is the specific, recognized variety rather than an unlisted die.

Values are consistent with the general Doubled Monticello range: roughly $95 for circulated XF examples, rising to over $900 for Mint State specimens without the Full Steps designation.

1939 Rev of 40, DDO FS-101

The FS-101 doubled die obverse (DDO) variety occurs specifically on 1939 nickels paired with the Reverse of 1940 die. This error resulted from misaligned hub impressions during obverse die preparation — unlike the reverse errors described above, this variety requires examining the front of the coin for authentication.

The doubling is most noticeable on the date “1939” and the word “LIBERTY,” with particularly strong effects on the digits “3” and “9” and sometimes extending to Jefferson’s eye area. Some specimens show doubling detectable without magnification; others require closer inspection.

High-grade examples with strong doubling can reach values over $3,000, with moderate-condition specimens fetching several hundred dollars.

1939 Rev of 1940, QDR FS-802

The FS-802 quadrupled die reverse (QDR) is an unusually rare error where the die received four separate misaligned hub impressions during manufacturing, creating a quadrupling effect rather than the typical doubling. Only a handful of QDR varieties exist across the entire Jefferson nickel series; documented examples include the 1939, 1956, and 1960 dates.

The quadrupling appears most clearly on reverse inscriptions, though its strength varies by specimen. For comparison, the similar 1956 Jefferson Nickel QDR FS-801 sold for $1,320 in MS65 at a May 2022 Heritage Auctions sale. Authentication typically requires expert examination or third-party grading service certification.

Market appearances for this variety remain infrequent. Values depend on grade and the clarity of the quadrupling, with Full Steps specimens commanding additional premiums.

1939 Nickel Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet (blank coin) is not properly seated in the collar during striking, causing part of the design to be missing or shifted. These are mechanical errors—not die errors—and each coin looks slightly different.

A documented 1939 nickel off-center error is the “Struck 10% Off Center” MS65 PCGS example from the Don Bonser Error Coin Collection, Part II, sold at Heritage Auctions in March 2021. The value of any off-center strike depends on the degree of misalignment and whether the date remains visible.

Off-center strikes of 5%–10% are worth $10–$100, while dramatic examples that are 40%–50% off-center and still show a complete date can bring $100–$1,000 or more. A full date visible on an off-center strike is always required for maximum value.

1939 Nickel Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

Repunched mint mark (RPM) errors occurred when a mint worker punched the mintmark letter into a die more than once, with slight misalignment between punches. On the 1939-D, traces of the first “D” punch remain visible alongside or beneath the final mintmark, documenting the hand-work involved in early 20th-century die preparation.

Most 1939 RPM varieties sell for modest premiums: $10–$75 for circulated examples, depending on how pronounced the repunching is. Uncirculated specimens with clear, dramatic repunching can command $100–$300.

 

Where To Sell Your 1939 Nickel?

Having determined the value of your 1939 Nickel, identifying appropriate sales channels becomes the logical next step. Below you’ll find a carefully compiled directory of established online platforms, featuring in-depth profiles, comparative advantages, and limitations.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1939 Nickel Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1939 Nickel

1. Is the 1939-D Jefferson nickel rare?

Yes. The 1939-D had a mintage of just 3,514,000 pieces, making it the second-lowest mintage business-strike Jefferson nickel in the entire series (behind only the 1950-D). By 1939, collector enthusiasm for the Jefferson design had cooled after the debut year, and fewer examples were preserved. While Mint State examples exist because some rolls were saved, high-grade Full Steps specimens are genuinely scarce and consistently command strong premiums above common dates.

2. How much is a 1939 nickel worth now?

Values vary significantly by mint mark, variety, and condition. Regular circulated Philadelphia nickels are worth roughly $0.40–$2. The 1939-D averages around $6.73 in circulated condition and $72–$102 in uncirculated grades. Full Steps examples start at $20 and rise dramatically, with the auction record of $26,400 paid for an MS68 Full Steps 1939-D at Stack’s Bowers in 2019. Error varieties like the Doubled Monticello are worth around $72 in average condition and up to $1,858+ in Mint State.

3. How do I tell the Reverse of 1938 from the Reverse of 1940?

Look at the steps at the base of Monticello under magnification. On the Reverse of 1938, the steps appear curved, rounded, and weakly defined — especially at the center below the last step where a noticeable curve is visible. On the Reverse of 1940, the steps are straighter, sharper, and more clearly separated with defined vertical indentations between them. This detail is subtle but can mean thousands of dollars in value at high grades.

4. What is the Full Steps (FS) designation and why does it matter?

Full Steps (FS) is a special designation awarded by PCGS or NGC when the horizontal lines at the base of Monticello’s staircase are complete, unbroken, and clearly defined across their full width. It requires five (5FS) or six (6FS) complete step lines. FS coins are significantly scarcer than regular strikes because achieving them requires near-perfect die condition, planchet quality, and striking pressure. A 1939-D MS65 without FS might sell for $20–$30; the same grade with FS can command hundreds, and at MS68 FS the record is $26,400.

5. What is the 1939 Doubled Monticello error and how do I spot it?

The 1939 Doubled Monticello is a doubled die reverse (DDR) error — one of only three major DDR varieties in the entire Jefferson nickel circulation strike series. It occurred when the die received a second, misaligned impression from the hub during manufacturing. Look at the reverse: the word “MONTICELLO” will appear doubled (shifted slightly to the east) and “FIVE CENTS” will also show doubling (shifted toward the southeast). Both features are visible to the naked eye on strong examples. An estimated 1,000–1,500 examples survive, with most in lower circulated grades.

6. What is the Henning nickel and should I be worried about it?

The Henning nickel is a counterfeit Jefferson nickel created by Francis LeRoy Henning of Erial, New Jersey in the mid-1950s. He struck fakes dated 1939, 1944, 1946, 1947, and 1953. The 1939 Henning can be identified by a looped or hollow “R” in the word “PLURIBUS” on the reverse, and by weight — a Henning nickel weighs approximately 5.4 grams versus the correct 5.0 grams. Ironically, Henning nickels are now collectible themselves and sell for $50–$500. A collectors’ guide by Joseph P. Cronin was published in 2024.

7. How many 1939 proof nickels were made and what are they worth?

Only 12,535 proof nickels were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1939. They were produced in both Reverse of 1938 and Reverse of 1940 varieties. Most surviving examples grade PR64–PR67, with PR68 being a condition rarity. The highest confirmed price is $18,400 for a Reverse of 1938 PR68 specimen sold at Bowers & Merena in August 2010. Entry-level PR64 proofs are obtainable for a few hundred dollars, while the price escalates significantly above PR66.

8. Does a 1939 nickel need professional grading to sell?

For circulated examples worth under $10–$20, professional grading (PCGS or NGC) is generally not cost-effective given submission fees of $30–$65 per coin. However, for any Mint State example, Full Steps specimen, proof, or error coin, professional grading is strongly recommended. Certified coins from PCGS or NGC sell for significantly higher prices at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections than raw, ungraded coins — and authentication protects against counterfeits like the Henning nickel.

9. Are there any key reference books for 1939 Jefferson nickel varieties?

Yes. Bernard Nagengast’s “The Jefferson Nickel Analyst” is considered one of the definitive references on the series and is recommended by expert collectors. The Fivaz-Stanton reference guide (also known as the “Cherrypickers’ Guide”) provides the FS- variety attributions (like FS-801, FS-802, FS-101) used by grading services. For counterfeit detection specifically, Joseph P. Cronin’s “The Henning Nickels Collectors’ Guide” (2024) is the current standard. The PCGS CoinFacts website also provides free, detailed population data and variety narratives for all 1939 nickel varieties.

10. How do I properly store a 1939 nickel to protect its value?

Never clean a 1939 nickel — cleaning removes original luster and can permanently reduce value by 50% or more, even turning a coin worth hundreds into one worth only face value. Store coins in inert, PVC-free flips or coin capsules. Avoid touching the surfaces; hold coins by the edges only. For high-value examples, consider professional grading and storage in a PCGS or NGC slab, which protects the coin from handling and environmental damage. Keep coins away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight. The fragile cameo surfaces on 1939 CAM proof nickels are especially vulnerable — once that contrast is lost, the CAM designation cannot be restored.