A very original example of this better date, much of the assigned grade being due to a blunt strike, not uncommon on this higher mintage Wartime date. The Obverse die also shows some obvious die erosion, the common rough patch on the back of the Native’s neck (same place that you see it on the 1937-D Three Leg error). For actual wear from circulation, this is more like AU-58; the edge in fact shows NO wear. This “third side” is commonly ignored by people when they grade coins, to their peril. As Nickels have no reeding on the edge, when they are ejected out of the press collar, the action imparts a very flat, slightly polished surface. This surface shows marks from circulation much sooner than the Obverse or Reverse, such as hairlines and nicks from mixing with other coins. Many coins that are flatly struck can be separated between Unc and “not Unc” simply by viewing the edge. The coin itself is an original soft bluish-grey color, the luster slightly blunted by the effects of the die erosion. While some of the very fine details are lacking for the same reason, an attractive coin overall, and certainly not common.

PCGS 3938.55/38749442