Price Guide for 1940 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $161.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $99.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.69 – $1,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $98.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $780.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $940.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $965.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $150.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $7.00 – $113.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $805.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $29.99Uncirculated: $7.50 – $510.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $69.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $56.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $98.77
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $17.51 – $349.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $65.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $518.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.73Uncirculated: $6.51 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $432.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.04 – $265.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $822.50Uncirculated: $17.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00Uncirculated: $15.50 – $330.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $235.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $822.50 – $823.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayCirculated: $54.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1940 Cent
The 1940 Lincoln Cent continued the iconic design introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This year marked the 31st year of the Lincoln Cent series, which would continue with the Wheat reverse design until 1958. The coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Great Depression, with World War II looming on the horizon.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1940 Lincoln Cents. While these coins are generally common, examples in high grades (MS65 and above) can command significant premiums. Coins with full original mint luster and minimal contact marks are highly desirable.
For circulated coins, the presence of strong details in Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks on the reverse are important factors. Uncirculated coins should have sharp strikes and minimal bag marks to achieve higher grades and values.
Mintage: 586,810,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors building year sets
Mintage: 81,390,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia due to lower mintage
Mintage: 112,940,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors building year sets
Color is an important factor for 1940 Lincoln Cents. Coins with original red color (RD) are more valuable than those with red-brown (RB) or brown (BN) coloration. Full Red examples in high grades can command significant premiums.
While no major varieties or errors are known for 1940 cents, coins with exceptional eye appeal, strong strikes, or attractive toning can bring higher prices at auction. Additionally, coins certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC often command higher prices due to the assurance of authenticity and grade.
