Re-engraving a mystery. 1938 proof nickels challenge experts

Posted by Ed McDonough
Member # 10343
On Oct 06, 2008

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Five varieties of proof 1938 nickels with re-engraving have been identified so far.

"E" on WE shows another variety with added serif at lower right

"S" of TRUST with added serif on lower left and various tooling

Normal hair ribbon on back of Jefferson's neck

Re-engraved hair ribbon at back of Jefferson's neck.

The unexplained re-engraving at the Philadelphia Mint of an obverse and reverse pair of 1938 proof Jefferson nickel dies is not unique after all. At least five different 1938 proof nickel obverse dies were enhanced by an engraver who hand carved details directly into working proof dies, and it remains to be seen if any 1938 proof nickel dies have the elusive "normal" design.

Resource: "Numismatic News" Sept. 30, 2008.