All 1940 Jefferson nickels are worth between 7 and 25 cents in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples are worth at least $2,50 depending on their mint marks. The most valuable are 1940 proof coins which are worth at least $75.
There are certainly a lot of different things that people collect as souvenirs or simply because they have value to them. Among these items, you’ll find coins rank pretty high up on the list. People love collecting coins not just because of their worth but also because of the history behind each one.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the value of 1940 nickels. These coins were minted in the early years of World War II, and because of that, they are now considered to be quite valuable. So, if you have any 1940 nickels lying around, make sure to keep reading to find out how much are such coins worth!
What are Jefferson Nickels
The Jefferson nickel is a five-cent coin that has been minted since 1938. It features the likeness of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Jefferson was chosen to be featured on the coin because of his contributions to the country, including his work on the Declaration of Independence and his advocacy for individual rights. The Jefferson nickel has undergone several redesigns over the years, but it remains one of the most popular coins in circulation.
The most notable change occurred in 1942, when the Mint halted production of the coin due to wartime shortages of nickel. Production resumed in 1946, and the Jefferson nickel has been minted continuously ever since.
Over the course of its 80-year history, the Jefferson nickel has been a cherished part of American coinage and remains a popular choice with collectors and investors alike.
1940 Jefferson Nickel Identification Guide
The 1940 Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it a silver-colored appearance. It weighs 0.1764 ounces and has a diameter of 0.8346 inches. The thickness of the coin is 0.0768 inches and it has a plain edge.
On the obverse, or front side of the coin, is a portrait of Thomas Jefferson. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” can be found on the obverse as well. The date “1941” is located on the right side of the coin. The Monticello, which is Jefferson’s home, can be found on the reverse side of the coin along with the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
To the untrained eye, all Jefferson nickels might look the same. However, there are actually a few ways to tell them apart. For instance, 1940 nickels can be distinguished by their mint mark. If the nickel has a “D” or “S” mint mark, it was struck at the Denver or San Francisco Mint. However, if the nickel does not have a mint mark, it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
In addition, the Philadelphia mint struck proof coins with no mint mark. While regular coins are struck by machines that release multiple coins at a time, proof coins are individually struck by a die that has been carefully polished. As a result, proof coins tend to be much sharper and have higher relief than regular coins.
Do 1940 Nickels Have Silver?
If you have a nickel from 1940, you might be wondering if it contains silver. Unfortunately, all nickels minted in 1940 were composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with no silver content.
In 1942, the Mint began producing nickels with a higher silver content, as copper was needed for the war effort. These so-called “war nickels” continued to be minted until 1945. After the war, the Mint reverted back to the original composition. As a result, there are no 1940 silver nickels. Nickels minted from 1942 to 1945 are the only ones that contain silver.
How Rare are 1940 Jefferson Nickels?
When it comes to collectible coins, some are more rare than others. This is certainly the case with the 1940 Jefferson nickel. A total of 176,499,158 were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, 39,690,000 at the San Francisco Mint, and 43,540,000 at the Denver Mint. That may seem like a lot, however, many of these have been lost or damaged over the years, so the number of surviving coins is much lower. Additionally, there were 14,158 proof coins minted in Philadelphia and they’re considered the most scarce coins.
How Much is a 1940 Nickel Worth?
A 1940 Jefferson nickel can be worth anywhere from 7 cents to a few thousand dollars, depending on the condition of the coin and where it was minted.
Philadelphia nickels minted in 1940 are valued at between 7 cents and 15 cents in circulated condition, and about $2.50 and up in uncirculated condition. 1940 D nickel value is about 10 cents to 25 cents in circulated condition, and $3.50 or more in uncirculated condition. The 1940 S nickel is the third most common, with a circulating value of 25 cents to $1 for well worn coins, and an uncirculated value of $5 or more.
Proof Jefferson nickels are the most expensive, with a value ranging from $75 to a few hundred or even thousand dollars.
The value of a 1940 nickel depends on a few different factors. The most important factor is the condition of the coin. A well-preserved coin in good condition will be worth more than one that was in circulation and thus heavily worn or damaged.
Another factor that affects value is the mint mark. Coins minted in Philadelphia are relatively common, while those minted in Denver and San Francisco are much rarer. As a result, a 1940 Denver nickel will be worth more than a Philadelphia nickel. So if you’re looking to cash in on your 1940 nickels, be sure to check their condition and mint mark before doing anything else!
How Do I Know if My 1940 Nickel Is Worth Anything?
So how do you know if your 1940 nickel is worth anything? The best way to find out is to compare it to similar coins that have recently been sold. You can do this by searching online, for example:
- A choice uncirculated 1940 Jefferson nickel sold for $2,99.
- Uncirculated Jefferson nickel in a high grade MS 66 sold for $25. A similar coin in MS 55 condition went for the same price.
- A circulated 1940 D Jefferson nickel found a coin collector willing to pay $1,25.
By taking the time to do your research, you’ll be able to get a better idea of what your coin is worth and whether it’s worth selling.
What is the Most Expensive 1940 Nickel Ever Sold?
The most expensive 1940 nickel no mint mark ever sold went for an impressive $6,462.50. This nickel was graded MS 68 by a professional coin grading service, meaning that it is nearly perfect. Given its high grade and rarity, it’s not surprising that this nickel was able to command such a high price.
The most expensive 1940 D nickel ever sold was graded MS 68 and went for $21,738. All-time record price for a 1940 S Jefferson nickel was $5,170 graded MS 67. In addition, the most expensive proof nickel fetched $18,400 at auction.
Final Thoughts
The value of a 1940 nickel depends on its condition and mint mark. Circulated examples are worth between 7 and 25 cents, while uncirculated coins are worth at least $2.50. The most valuable 1940 nickel is the proof coin, which is worth at least $75. Proof coins were struck with a higher quality of die, and they have a more polished finish. The 1940 proof nickel is the rarest of all Jefferson nickels, and it is highly coveted by collectors.
If you have a 1940 nickel, it is definitely worth getting it appraised by a professional numismatist to find out its exact value. Thank you for reading!
FAQ
Is a 1940 nickel pure silver?
Despite what you may have heard, there is no 1940 silver Jefferson nickel. Coins from this year are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
What year Jefferson nickel series are silver?
Nickels minted in 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 were made from 35% silver. This was done in an effort to conserve copper for the war effort during World War II. Many of these so-called “war Nickels” are still in circulation today and are easy to spot thanks to their distinct silver color.
How to tell if you have a silver coin?
There are a few ways that you can tell if you have a silver coin. One is to look at the color of the coin. If it is a silver coin, it will usually be white or gray in color. Another way to tell if you have a silver coin is to look at the weight of the coin. Silver coins are usually heavier than other coins because they are made of a heavier metal.
What are the key dates to look for in nickels?
There are a few key dates to look for when collecting nickels. The 1939 D Jefferson Nickel is one of the most coveted by collectors. The 1939 S Jefferson Nickel is also highly sought after, as is the 1942 D Jefferson Nickel. And, of course, the 1950 D Jefferson nickel is always in high demand. Each of these coins is relatively rare and therefore commands a high price.