If you’ve ever found old coins from the 1940s in your collection, you might be holding on to something valuable. Some coins from that era are now worth thousands of dollars, making them highly sought after by collectors. Not every coin from the 1940s is valuable, but there are a few that stand out due to their rarity, materials, or historical significance.
In this article, we’ll explore five coins from the 1940s that are worth a lot today. Keep reading to find out if you’re sitting on a hidden treasure!
1. 1940s Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first struck in 1909, features Abraham Lincoln’s side profile on the front and images of wheat on the back. Coins from the 1940s were made from 95% copper, 5% tin, and 5% zinc, which gives them a unique reddish-brown color. Due to exposure to air over the years, these pennies often turn red or brown, and the redder ones are the most valuable.
One particular version, the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, has sold for $435,000 in an MS-62 grade. If you have a well-preserved Lincoln Wheat Penny from the 1940s, it might be worth a small fortune.
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2. 1940s Jefferson Five Cents
The Jefferson Nickel, minted from 1938 to 1964, was made from 75% copper and 25% nickel. The 1940-D version weighs 5 grams and features Thomas Jefferson on the front and the Monticello building on the back.
While Jefferson Nickels are more common, higher-grade coins can be quite valuable. For example, an MS-68 graded coin is worth around $11,000, and one even sold for over $21,000 at an auction. If you have a pristine Jefferson Nickel, it could be worth looking into its value.
3. 1940s Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Part of the Walking Liberty series from 1916 to 1947, the 1940 Half Dollar is a beautiful and rare coin. These coins were made from 90% silver and 10% copper, making them especially valuable due to their silver content. The front of the coin features Lady Liberty walking in front of a sunrise, while the back displays a bold bald eagle.
Only 9 million Walking Liberty Half Dollars were minted in the 1940s, and those graded at MS-68+ can be worth up to $45,000. One coin from this series sold for nearly $30,000, so it’s definitely a coin worth checking in your collection.
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4. 1940s Mercury Dimes
The Mercury Dime, officially called the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman, this dime is made from 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1940 version features a winged Liberty figure on the front, resembling the Roman god Mercury, and a fasces with an olive branch on the reverse side.
With over 65 million coins minted in 1940, it’s not the rarest dime, but high-grade coins can be worth thousands. An MS-68+ Mercury Dime sold for $35,250, so even though these dimes are common, the condition of the coin can make a huge difference in its value.
5. 1940s Washington Quarter
Designed by John Flanagan, the 1940 Washington Quarter features George Washington’s profile on the front and a bald eagle on the back. The 1940-D version of this quarter is made from 90% silver and 10% copper, and it weighs 6.3 grams.
Nearly 3 million Washington Quarters were minted in 1940, but those in top condition are worth a lot more today. Coins graded MS-67 or above are valued at around $3,000, and an MS-68 Washington Quarter once sold for over $4,000.
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Conclusion
Coins from the 1940s can be worth a significant amount of money, especially if they’re in excellent condition. If you happen to come across any of these coins in your collection, it’s worth getting them graded to find out their value. Whether it’s the Lincoln Wheat Penny, Jefferson Nickel, or the rare Walking Liberty Half Dollar, you could be sitting on a piece of history that’s worth thousands.