Expert: PAPAJACK - 7/19/2007

Question
do pennies from the 1940s have value

Answer
Hello Mike,                          

Yes US one cent coins from the 1940’s can be collectable. But trade at low prices. Only never circulated or error cent coins are more valuable.

US Lincoln Cents are collectable. Most of these modern cents sell for less than a half dollar in circulated grades. And since the dates after 1944 are still so plentiful to collectors in Mint State grades circulated coins are less than twenty cents each.
There are a few exceptions like the 1944-S over D mint mark the 1946-S over D, 1955 Double Die, 1956-D over D mintmark

Collectors use a numerical grading system for coins. It goes from 1 to 70. With Grade-1 being barely identifiable as a coin and 70 being absolutely perfect. Coins taken from circulation usually fall between grade 8-VG (very Good) and grade 50 (AU Almost Uncirculated).

For grading the Cent look at Lincoln’s bow tie and ear, they wear first.

A rough price is dependent on the grade and any damage to the coins (like having been cleaned, nicked, dented scratched etc.). But a post 1940 issue date coin can retail to collectors from .10 to .20 cents in circulated grades. But a dealer will pay less (Wholesale). Virtually all circulated cents made after 1945 will sell for 3 cents each in bulk. Some cents may sell from .15 to $1.00 to a collector depending on grade and eye appeal.

A word of advice;
Do not try to clean the coins in any way. Learning to estimate the grade of the coins and noting any cleaning or mishandling is the key to finding the value. See if you can borrow or use at your library a copy of the book titled "A Guide Book of U. S. Coins" by R.S. Yeoman, has pictures showing the difference. Or if you can get to a Coin Show in your area I'm sure that you will find your coin types are readily available for examination.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack