1940-S 1c Lincoln Cent ANACS MS65RED

Okay, let’s break down the 1940-S 1c Lincoln Cent ANACS MS65RED. This is a well-regarded coin, and the “RED” designation is particularly important for its value.

Here’s what each part means:

• 1940-S 1c Lincoln Cent:
  • 1940: This is the year of mintage.¹

     

  • S: This is the mint mark, indicating the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The San Francisco Mint often produced coins with slightly lower mintages compared to Philadelphia or Denver, though 1940-S is not considered a rare date for the Lincoln Cent series.
  • 1c: Denotes a one-cent coin.
  • Lincoln Cent: The standard U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln.
• ANACS: This means the coin has been authenticated and graded by ANACS .
  ANACS is the oldest third-party coin grading service in the U.S. and is well-respected in the numismatic community.² Their grading is generally consistent.

   

• MS65RED: This is the crucial part of the grade, indicating both the coin’s condition and its color.
  • MS (Mint State): This signifies that the coin is uncirculated and shows no signs of wear from handling or commerce.³

     

  • 65: This is the numerical grade on the Sheldon scale (from 1 to 70). An MS65 coin is considered a Gem Uncirculated coin.⁴ It will have full original luster, a sharp strike, and only a few scattered, very minor contact marks or imperfections that are not distracting to the eye. It’s a high-quality collector coin.

     

  • RED: This is a very important color designation specifically for copper coins like the Lincoln Cent.
    • RED (RD): Means the coin retains at least 95% of its original vibrant red copper color.⁵ This is the most desirable color designation for copper coins, indicating minimal toning or oxidation.

       

    • (For reference, other designations are RB for Red-Brown, meaning 5% to 95% original red, and BN for Brown, meaning less than 5% original red).

Value:

A 1940-S Lincoln Cent in MS65RED is a very nice coin. While the 1940-S isn’t a “key date,” achieving a full “RED” designation in MS65 adds significant value.

As of June 2025, a 1940-S 1c Lincoln Cent ANACS MS65RED would typically have a retail value in the range of $50 to $80.

Here’s why:

• Common Date, but High Grade: 1940-S cents were minted in the millions, so it’s not rare in lower grades. However, finding them with full original red luster in a high uncirculated grade like MS65 is much more challenging, driving up the value.
• RED Designation: The “RED” designation is highly sought after by collectors of Lincoln Cents, as it indicates excellent preservation of the coin’s original appearance.
• ANACS Grading: ANACS is a reliable service, and their MS65RED grade would be well-accepted in the market.

Factors that can influence exact value:

• Eye Appeal: Even within the same grade, some coins simply look better due to their luster, strike, and absence of distracting marks. A coin with exceptional eye appeal might sell for the higher end of the range, or even slightly above.
• Seller: Prices can vary between what a large dealer, a smaller dealer, or a private seller might ask.
• Market Demand: The overall demand for high-grade Lincoln Cents can fluctuate.

For the most accurate current market value, always check recent auction results and current pricing guides from major grading services like PCGS, NGC, or CDN Greysheet.