1940 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1940 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series — an early issue, 3rd of 66 years in the series. In 1940, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 256.7 million. This ranks 24th of 66 years by total mintage, below the series median of 617.5 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Steady pre-war production from all three mints. Denver mintage exceeded 43 million. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 73 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including bisecting rim to rim die crack, cud, doubled die obverse and 3 other types. Produced 10 years before the celebrated 1950 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $131 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $29K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Felix Schlag.