| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 105,000 |
| 60 or Better | 105,000 |
| 65 or Better | 45,000 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-1.9 |
| 60 or Better | R-1.9 |
| 65 or Better | R-2.5 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 48 / 65 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 48 / 65 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 44 / 65 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 58 / 79 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 58 / 79 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 53 / 79 TIE |
The 1940-S Nickel is a very common coin with hundreds of examples certified by PCGS at the MS-65 and MS-66 levels. Superb examples, on the other hand, are extremely rare. A high percentage of the certified Mint State survivors exhibit full steps, indicating good striking characteristics for this date/mintmark combination.
The finest examples certified by PCGS (as of January 2012) include a single MS-67 (non Full Steps) and 8 MS-67 Full Steps.