wrote:
The Jefferson nickel of 1938 has wavy steps on Monticello on the
reverse that blur into the railings on either side. In 1939, they
touched up the design to make the steps clearer, and also added a
shallow depressed line on either side of the steps to separate them
from the railings.
The first type is the "Reverse of 1938." Both types were used for
business strikes and Proofs in 1939, so the new type is called the
"Reverse of 1940." However, at least one "Rev. of '38" Proof die was
used in 1940, so on 1939 and 1940 Proofs it is relevant to specify the
reverse type.
Tom DeLorey
www.harlanjberk.com

Thanks for the prompt, thorough, and most informative reply.
Internet/Usenet at its best.
If I read the above correctly, both types were used in 1939,
so a 1939 coin could be designated "Reverse of 1940"?