1939 Jefferson Nickel. FS-801. Doubled Die Reverse, Doubled MONTICELLO. MS-67 FS (PCGS). An outstanding example of this popular Doubled Die Reverse variety that would do justice to the finest Jefferson nickel set. Frosty surfaces are brilliant and border on pristine. The strike is exceptionally well executed with full detail that even extends to the steps, portico and roof of Monticello. Unsurpassed at PCGS in the Full Steps category, this dazzling Superb Gem is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced collectors.<p>The prominent doubling to the word MONTICELLO and denomination FIVE CENTS confirms the FS-801 attribution for this 1939 nickel. A letter from Malcolm O.E. Chell-Frost concerning this variety was published in <em>The Numismatist</em>, November 1942:<p><em>"This is probably news to a great many collectors of nickels, but the truth is that the 1939, Jefferson nickel was re-engraved in the early part of the year. Sometime before Feb. 21, 1939, the word MONTICELLO and the words FIVE CENTS were quite weak and the Mint decided to develop a new hub to strengthen these two or three words.</em><p><em>"Before this new hub was completed the old hub was cut over through MONTICELLO and FIVE CENTS. How many were made is strictly a guess; however, to give collectors an idea of how few are to be found they may be interested in a few figures.</em><p><em>"During the past two months I have had many collectors searching for this nickel, and up to the present 12 have been found. Here is a chance to do something during the day. I would greatly appreciate fellow collectors letting me know if any more are found and the amount…"</em><p>This has always been one of Q. David Bowers favorite coins. In the 1950s he had called on Malcolm O.E. Chell-Frost to discuss this variety. Chell-Frost related that after discovering the variety in the summer of 1939 he set about looking for them, and by 1941 had found about 20 coins. His pursuit continued. Mint State coins were viewed as being exceedingly rare, even in early times. In searching for them he found this to be true. However, in the 4th edition of the <em>Cherrypickers Guide</em>, Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton commented, "several Mint State rolls have come on the market in recent years." The total number of Mint State coins in existence is not known, but Bowers estimates fewer than 300, and possibly even fewer than 120. As such it is dozens of times rarer than a Mint State 1955 Doubled Die cent (many of which were saved in the year of issue). At the present level of preservation the Superb Gem offered here combines absolute scarcity with condition rarity, the kind of coin that would serve as a highlight in any collection of 20th century United States Mint coinage. From the George "Buddy" Byers Buckeye Collection. Earlier ex Heritages Long Beach Signature Auction of February 2016, lot 3139.
