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1940-D

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 43,540,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1353

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About this coinHistory

Denver's 1940 Jefferson nickel mintage was 43,540,000 coins, a substantial production year that places the 1940-D comfortably in the common-date category. The coin is available in every grade including Mint State. Strike characteristics are generally strong, and Gem-quality examples with Full Steps exist in adequate numbers for specialist demand at modest premiums.

Collectors building Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1940-D without difficulty. The coin fills its slot in the date-and-mint sequence as a typical early common-date issue and is a straightforward acquisition. For high-grade specialists, finding sharp Full Steps examples is straightforward through major dealer inventories and major auction venues.

1940 marked the continued improvement in Jefferson nickel strike quality that had begun with the Reverse of 1940 hub modification in mid-1939. The Denver Mint's 1940 production benefited from the new die configuration and produced coins with better reverse definition than 1938-1939 Denver output. The coin is a representative example of the improved mid-design strike quality that would continue through the pre-war period.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.10 $0.10
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.10 $0.15
F-12 Fine (F) $0.15 $0.20
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.30 $0.30
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.55 $0.65
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.80 $0.95
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $2 $2.50
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1940-D Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.10, rising to roughly $2–$2.50 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1940-D Jefferson Nickels were minted?
43,540,000 were struck.
What is a 1940-D Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1940-D Jefferson Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1940-D Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.