Jeff nickel reverse change in 1998

[68Camaro]

Lost the first post so this is going to be shorter and sweeter.

I've seen no discussion on the web about this, but I didn't knock myself out searching for it, and I'm not a numi guy and have only recently paid attention to Jeff nickels in the process of hand-sorting 100+ boxes for warnicks (mostly).

I've noticed a distinctive change in the reverse in the transition from flat to rim. In 1997 and prior there is a dished radius at this transition. In 1998 it is pretty much flat as a pancake until it hits a sharp transition to the rim.

Anyone else noted this? Common knowledge, and I'm an idiot for taking this long to notice, or what?

Just curious. Thanks...

[mhh]

The relief of both faces of the nickel was reduced in 1998 to prolong die life, resulting in a "flat"-looking coin. The change was made to both faces but it's most noticeable on the reverse. And no, you're not an idiot.

[Morsecode]

Never noticed that myself...and I have collected Jeff nickels somewhat seriously in the past.

Wait...who's on the Jefferson nickel again?

¿¿¿¿

[Engineer]

I've noticed the '98 and up wear a lot faster. Many of them look terrible after a decade in circulation.

[68Camaro]

The relief of both faces of the nickel was reduced in 1998 to prolong die life, resulting in a "flat"-looking coin. The change was made to both faces but it's most noticeable on the reverse. And no, you're not an idiot.

Hmmm, thanks! Very glad to know it's not my imagination! Can you point us to some documentation on this?

[blackrabbit]

I noticed the newer ones were flatter and cheaper looking but did not know the year cutoff, so thanks for bringing it up!