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.

1940-D Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $10.00 – $21,737.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $5.51 – $5,295.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $11,000.00
1940-S Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 – $1,840.00
    Uncirculated: $9.00 – $374.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $4.25 – $32.25
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $999.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 – $2.00
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $275.00
1940-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $10.00
    Uncirculated: $8.00 – $646.25
  • eBay
    Circulated: $1.00 – $425.00
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $795.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $10.00
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $140.00
1940 Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $9.00 – $558.13
  • eBay
    Circulated: $1.00 – $44.00
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $510.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 – $2.00
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,750.00
1940-S Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 – $5,170.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $8.63 – $1,950.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $10.00 – $1,800.00
1940-S/S Nickel RPM FS-501 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $57.20 – $450.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $185.00 – $400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00
    Uncirculated: $45.00 – $800.00
1940 Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $11.00 – $6,462.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $40.00
    Uncirculated: $3.51 – $3,710.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $10.00 – $4,750.00
1940 Nickel Reverse of 1940 (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $19.00 – $325.00
    Uncirculated: $25.00 – $18,400.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $7.50
    Uncirculated: $11.50 – $810.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $25.00 – $7,850.00
1940 Nickel Reverse of 1938 (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $31.00 – $28,750.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $24.49 – $2,440.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $40.00 – $22,500.00
1940-S/S Nickel RPM FS-501, FS (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $210.00 – $352.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $609.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $55.00 – $750.00
1940 Nickel Reverse of 1940, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $223.00 – $1,725.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $30.00 – $1,150.00
1940 Nickel Rev of 1938 FS-901 (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $312.00 – $3,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $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.

Philadelphia (no mint mark)

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

Denver (D)

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

San Francisco (S)

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.

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