Here are the factors that can affect the value of a 1940 lady head dime:
1. Condition: The coin's condition plays a significant role in determining its value. It refers to the overall appearance of the coin, including wear and tear on its surfaces, scratches, and any other damage. Coins with a clean strike, sharp details, and minimal damage will be more valuable than those that show significant signs of wear.
2. Mint Year and Mint Mark: Dimes minted at different mint locations, indicated by mint marks, can vary in rarity. The 1940 lady head dime was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark). The mintage numbers for that year were quite high, with over 190 million coins produced, so they are generally more common than some other rare dates.
3. Rarity: Certain mint years, including the 1940 lady head dime, can be scarcer than others due to factors such as melt-downs or lower production numbers. However, the 1940 dimes are not considered particularly rare compared to some other lady head dimes.
4. Numismatic Value: While 1940 lady head dimes may not have a high numismatic value compared to certain rare coins, they can still be of interest to collectors who are looking to complete a date set or specialize in lady head dimes. As with any collectible, the demand for a particular coin can influence its market price.
If you have a 1940 lady head dime and want to determine its exact value, you may consider getting it professionally graded by a reputable numismatic service such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). This can provide a more precise assessment of the coin's condition and rarity, giving you a better understanding of its market value.