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1940

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 586,825,872
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-529

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About this coinHistory

The 1940 Lincoln cent from Philadelphia was produced in approximately 586.8 million coins, a massive output that reflected the expanding pre-war economy. Lend-Lease was being debated. The draft was instituted. Industrial production was surging. The cent was needed in enormous quantities, and the Mint delivered. The 1940 is very common.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.10 $0.15
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.15 $0.15
F-12 Fine (F) $0.15 $0.20
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.30 $0.35
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.50 $0.55
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.80 $0.95
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1.50 $2
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $3 $3.50
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.10–$0.15, rising to roughly $1.50–$2 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
586,825,872 were struck.
What is a 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent?
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 Lincoln Wheat Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.