- Year: 1940
- Mint Mark: No mint mark
- Type: Jefferson Nickel
- Price: 35 cents-$170.00+
- Face Value: 0.05 USD
- Produced: 176,485,000
- Edge: Smooth
Notes: Full steps on the reverse of the 1940 and many other nickels is the gold standard. There is also a 1939 nickel with a reverse 1940 error. Double strikes including double strike collars. Off center strike errors by as much as 70% off center. There are even 1940 Nickels that were accidentally struck on copper penny planchets.
Mintages
Market Trends & Insights
Although a few Proof 1940 Nickels are being traded, the majority of transactions are happening in the Uncirculated and Brilliant Uncirculated market, which is expected. MS65 seems to be the focal point for certified mint state coins among high-end collectors. Errors appear to be doing well, also.
Recent Sales
Nothing like cold hard data to understand the value of a coin. These are most recent sales for the 1940 Jefferson Nickel.
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How much is a 1940 Nickel worth?
In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 35 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $170 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1940, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].
What are your coins really worth?
Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any jefferson nickel in your collection.
Specs & Design
This coin has a total mass of 5 g, a diameter of 21.21 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm. It's edge is smooth, and the coins are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Designer: Felix Schlag
Front (Obverse): The front of this coin has the bust of Thomas Jefferson featured front and center. The words IN GOD WE TRUST are on the left most portion, with the word LIBERTY on the right just above the date. If a mint mark is present it will be just below the date.
Back (Reverse): The reverse features the Monticello located in Albemarle County, VA. The Monticello was the long time home of Jefferson. The words E PLUIRIBUS UNUM, meaning out of many one are draped across the top, while the words FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are featured on the bottom.
Most Valuable
The most valuable Jefferson Nickel's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.
| Image | Year | Mint | Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1940 | $170 | |
 |
1955 | D | $120 |
 |
1963 | D | $102 |
 |
1942 | D | $100 |
 |
1940 | D | $90 |
 |
1944 | S | $85 |
 |
1939 | S | $80 |
 |
1955 | $80 | |
 |
1983 | S | $80 |
 |
1938 | D | $75 |
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| Image | Name | Mint | Worth |
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***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.
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