Have you ever gone through your old coins and found coins from the 1940s? If so, you may have something that’s worth thousands of dollars.
While not every old coin is valuable, there are some coins that are rare and highly coveted by coin collectors. Some coins are even made of metals such as gold, which makes them even more valuable than their original value.
Whatever the reason, it’s never a bad idea to know that you may be sitting on a little treasure. Here are five 1940s coins that could be very expensive today.
1940s Lincoln Wheat Penny
The first batch of Lincoln pennies was minted in 1909, a century after Abraham Lincoln was born. These coins are called “wheat pennies” because of the image of a wheat plant on the reverse, although the design has changed over time. The obverse features a portrait of Lincoln.
This 1940s penny was made of 95% copper, 5% tin and 5% zinc. This is significant because many coins of the time replaced copper with other metals. The color of these coins can be red, brown or a mixture of both, and red coins are generally considered more valuable.
Talking about the value of the coin, according to Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS), a 1943 1C Bronze, BN (Regular Strike) coin (MS-62) has sold for up to $435,000.
1940s Jefferson Five Cents
The 1940-D 5C, FS (Regular Strike) Jefferson Five Cents coins were part of the Jefferson Five Cents series from 1938 to 1964. This coin weighs 5 grams and is made up of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The front features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson and the back features the Monticello building.
The value of these coins depends on the grade of the coin and is much less than the Wheat Penny. However, there are still many coins that are still in circulation today. An MS-68 grade coin can be worth up to $11,000, and some coins have sold for as much as $21,737.50.
1940s Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This coin was part of the 1916-1947 series and was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1940 coin is considered a rare coin in this collection.
The design of this coin is very beautiful. The front features an image of Lady Liberty walking near the sunrise, and the back features an image of a beautiful bald eagle.
Just over 9 million of these half-dollar coins were produced. Coins that grade 68+ can be worth up to $45,000. One coin sold for $29,375 at an auction.
1940s Mercury Dime
The 1940 10C, FB (regular strike) Mercury dime was part of the Mercury dime series from 1916 to 1945. The coin was made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman, who was also the designer of the Walking Liberty half dollar coin. The Mercury dime is sometimes called the “Winged Liberty Head dime” because its design includes a Phrygian cap (shown with wings), making it resemble the Roman god Mercury.
A coin with a 68+ grade can be worth around $15,500. One coin was auctioned for $35,250.
1940s Washington Quarter
The 1940-D 25C (regular strike) coin was part of the Washington quarter series from 1932 to 1964. The coin features an image of George Washington on the front and a bald eagle on the back. About 3 million Washington quarter coins were made.
The 1940 coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighs 6.30 grams. If the coin is graded 67 or above, it can be worth around $3,000. One MS-68 coin was auctioned for $4,060.
Conclusion
If you have a coin from the 1940s, it can be very valuable. Determining the value of these coins depends on their rarity, metal, and grade. If you think you have one of these coins, it may be a good idea to have it examined by an expert. The value of coins can increase over time, and you could end up owning a small treasure.
FAQs
Q. What makes a coin valuable?
A. A coin’s value depends on its rarity, age, condition, and material. Limited mintage or historical significance can increase its worth.
Q. How do I know if my old coins are worth money?
A. You can check the rarity, condition, and material of your coins, and compare them with similar ones sold at auctions or in coin catalogs.
Q. What is a “graded” coin?
A. A graded coin has been evaluated by a professional service, which assigns it a grade based on its condition. Higher grades usually mean higher value.
Q. Are 1940s coins still in circulation?
A. While some 1940s coins may still be found in circulation, many have become rare and are valued by collectors for their age and rarity.
Q. How can I sell my valuable coins?
A. You can sell valuable coins through reputable coin dealers, online auction sites, or specialized coin shops that buy from collectors.