Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1940 Nickel

Where is the mint mark on a 1940 nickel? If you have an old nickel from 1940 sitting in a jar or drawer somewhere, you may be wondering where to look to find out which mint it came from. Nickels minted in 1940 have mint marks in different locations depending on the type of nickel.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The mint mark on a 1940 Jefferson nickel can be found on the reverse side of the right side of Monticello building.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to locate that tiny mint mark on your 1940 nickel, including: Where to find the mint mark on 1940 Jefferson nickels versus earlier Buffalo nickels; What the different mint marks S, P, and D signify; How to identify more valuable and rare dates and markings; and Tips for preserving your vintage nickel.

Distinguishing 1940 Jefferson Nickels from Earlier Buffalo Nickels

When the U.S. Nickel Changed Designs in 1938

In 1938, the United States Mint introduced an updated design for the five-cent nickel coin. After nearly 30 years featuring an American bison nicknamed the “Buffalo nickel,” the U.S. nickel got a fresh look with President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello, Jefferson’s estate, on the reverse.

This updated design debuted partway through 1938, meaning that year saw both the outgoing Buffalo nickel and newly introduced Jefferson nickel produced in large numbers at mints in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark).

Last Year for the Buffalo Nickel Design Mint Mark Placement

On Buffalo nickels produced from 1913 through 1937, the mint mark appears on the reverse below the words “Five Cents.” So Buffalo nickels from Denver or San Francisco before 1938 have the D or S mark on the back near the bottom rim.

The final batch of the Buffalo nickel design came in 1938. That year the U.S. Mint struck Buffalo nickels in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). For those final Buffalo nickels, the mint mark moved to beside the Monticello on the reverse side of the Jefferson nickels.

First Year for the New Jefferson Nickel Design

When Jefferson’s nickels debuted in 1938 and continued annually thereafter, the placement of D and S mint marks standardized beside Monticello on the reverse. That has remained the standard placement on Jefferson nickels struck for circulation to this day.

So a 1940 Jefferson nickel struck in Philadelphia has no mint mark, while specimens from Denver feature a prominent D, and San Francisco nickels display an S.

Meanings of U.S. Mint Marks

Philadelphia Mint Mark: No Mint Mark

The Philadelphia Mint, located in Pennsylvania, does not place any mint marks on the coins it produces. This has been the case throughout most of its history. From 1793 to 1980, circulating coins struck at the Philly Mint generally had no mint mark at all.

That’s why the 1840s to 1950s nickels, including the 1940 nickel, won’t have a letter stamped anywhere on them if they were minted in Philadelphia. These nickels with no mint mark are considered common.

San Francisco Mint Mark: S

An “S” mint mark signifies that a coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint in California. The San Francisco facility began operations in 1854 as a response to the California Gold Rush. It started placing the “S” mark on circulating coins in 1968.

Any 1940 nickel with an “S” mark would be a great rarity, as San Francisco did not add mint marks until 1968. Such a coin would likely be worth over $100,000 if real given the scarce nature.

Denver Mint Mark: D

Coins with a “D” mint letter means they were produced at the Denver Mint located in Colorado. Congress authorized this mint in 1862 during the height of the Gold Rush era. However, unlike the San Francisco Mint, Denver did not begin adding mint marks to coins until 1968.

As with San Francisco, a 1940 nickel struck in Denver would have significant value due to immense scarcity. Mint records do not show any 1940 nickels struck at the Denver facility.

Identifying Rare and Valuable 1940 Nickels

1940-S Nickels

The 1940-S nickel is one of the more valuable 1940 nickels for collectors. These were minted at the San Francisco mint, which had a relatively low output ( 39,690,000) compared to Philadelphia and Denver that year. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service’s population reports, there are only about 27,600 1940-S nickels certified in all grades combined.

This scarcity makes them quite valuable relative to other 1940 nickels. Mint state examples can sell for over $100 if graded MS-63 or higher.

Full Steps Variations

Another variety to look for with 1940 nickels is the Full Steps designation. This refers to Jefferson’s home Monticello on the reverse having exceptional definition and detail on the steps leading up to the entrance. PCGS designates a maximum of 6 steps as “Full Steps.”

Full Steps examples can command significant premiums over regular 1940 nickels, sometimes 50-100% or more depending on the grade.

According to PCGS’ population data, there are only 5,376 examples graded with Full Steps across all 1940 nickels certified. So this can add great value for collectors. When combined with the 1940-S mintmark, a 1940-S Full Steps nickel becomes a very scarce and desirable coin.

Proof Coins

In 1940 a small number (14,158) of proof Jefferson nickels were also struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These would have been sold in special proof sets to collectors at the time. Proof examples have frosted devices and mirrored fields, giving them a distinct “cameo” contrast.

As some of the lowest mintage proofs of the series, 1940-proof nickels are scarce and valuable today. At the highest certified grades, they can be worth over $750 in PR-66 condition according to recent sales records.

Caring for and Preserving your Vintage 1940 Nickel

Storing Your Coin

Properly storing your 1940 nickel is crucial for preservation. Ideal storage conditions involve cool, dry air away from humidity. Consider placing coins in plastic holders or albums made of inert plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. These materials are safe for long-term storage.

Avoid materials like PVC that can damage coins over time. If storing in cardboard, choose acid-free archival-quality materials. Regardless of the method, ensure 1940 nickels don’t come into contact with other coins to prevent scratches or marks.

Store coins in a dark area out of sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration.
Maintain storage areas at moderate room temperatures between 65°F to 72°F.
Consider using desiccants like silica gel to control humidity and reduce the risk of surface issues from moisture.
Take coins out of storage at least twice a year to check for any problems.

Being diligent with proper 1940 nickel storage can maintain quality and value for decades. Visit sites like NGC for more guidance.

Cleaning Your Coin

Never try cleaning a 1940 nickel yourself. Doing so improperly can permanently damage surfaces and drastically reduce value. Instead, consult a reputable professional coin dealer or grading service about cleaning.

Avoid household cleaners, jewelry cleaners, abrasives, or mechanical cleaning. These can scratch surfaces or cause unsightly marks. Acetone, ammonia, and other chemicals can damage protective toning layers or alter surfaces through chemical reactions.

Potential Damage Risk	Cleaning Method
Scratches	Abrasives, brushes, rags
Residue	Household cleaners
Discoloration	Bleaches, jewelry cleaner
Toning removal	Chemical solvents

Instead, inspect coins carefully under the light before considering cleaning. Sometimes, what appears to be dirt or encrustation is an undisturbed original patina.

If professional cleaning is pursued, methods like light mechanical cleaning, chemical dipping, or laser ablation may be considered depending on the need. But extreme caution is necessary to avoid permanent damage.

Resources like PCGS CoinFacts provide more specifics on professional coin conservation suitable for a rare 1940 nickel.