Price Guide for 1940 Nickel 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: $10.00 – $21,737.50
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eBayUncirculated: $5.51 – $5,295.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $1,840.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $32.25Uncirculated: $3.00 – $999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $275.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $140.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $558.13
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eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $44.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $5,170.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.63 – $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57.20 – $450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $185.00 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $40.00Uncirculated: $3.51 – $3,710.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50Uncirculated: $11.50 – $810.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $7,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $28,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.49 – $2,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $210.00 – $352.50
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eBayUncirculated: $609.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $223.00 – $1,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $312.00 – $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $1,700.00
Design and Specifications of the 1940 Nickel
The 1940 Jefferson Nickel was part of the series that began in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. This coin represents the third year of the Jefferson Nickel design, which would continue largely unchanged until 2004. The Jefferson Nickel was introduced to honor the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, and features his home, Monticello, on the reverse.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1940 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are common and generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are considerably more valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is highly desirable.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from marks, scratches, and other imperfections are more desirable.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 176,485,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 43,540,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 39,690,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of a 1940 Jefferson Nickel beyond its basic rarity and condition:
1. Full Steps: Coins showing complete steps on Monticello’s base are highly prized and can command significant premiums.
2. Die polish lines: Some coins may exhibit interesting die polish lines, which can add interest for variety collectors.
3. Historical significance: As a pre-World War II coin, it holds interest for collectors of this era.
4. Set completion: Demand may increase from collectors assembling date and mint mark sets.
While no major errors are known for the 1940 nickels, any discovered significant error could greatly increase a coin’s value. Always have rare or valuable coins authenticated by a reputable grading service.
