1940 Lincoln Wheat Penny (Wheat Cent)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1940s (Minted in 1940)
Material
95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (Bronze). This composition is considered superior to post-1982 zinc pennies.
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). The coin shows significant surface wear, visible scratches, and some oxidation/toning. Specifically, the hair detail on Lincoln is smoothed and the outer rim is worn down.
Demand Level
Low to Moderate. While wheat pennies are iconic, the 1940 Philadelphia mintage was very high (nearly 587 million), making it common.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$0.02 (Low) - $0.10 (Mid) - $0.50 (High for specific sub-varieties or better condition)
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 - $0.25 (Common numismatic retail price for average circulated condition)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings show individual circulated 1940 wheat pennies selling for $0.15 to $1.00 USD (including shipping), while bulk rolls of 50 unsorted wheat cents typically sell for $3.00 to $5.00.
Description
A circulated 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. No mint mark below the date indicates it was minted in Philadelphia. Diameter is approximately 19mm.
Key Features
Vintage 'Wheat' reverse design (1909-1958); High copper content; 1940 is a common date but popular for beginner collections and 'coin roll hunting' sets.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The font of the date and lettering is consistent with US Mint dies of the period. Weight and patination appear appropriate for a copper-alloy coin from the 1940s. No signs of casting bubbles or obvious alterations.
Flaws to Note
Significant circulation wear, surface scratches, lack of 'Red' luster (it is considered 'Brown' or BN in grading terms), and potential environmental damage from storage.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (in bulk lots), Etsy (as jewelry or craft supplies), Local coin shops, or Facebook Marketplace (as part of a larger coin collection).
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin, as cleaning destroys numismatic value. It is best sold as part of a 'Wheat Penny Starter Set' or in a bulk lot of 50+. Use high-resolution macro photography to show both the obverse and reverse clearly.