1930 Penny and our added bonus of a Choice Uncirculated Melbourne Mint 1930 Sovereign

One of the prime reasons for the popularity of the 1930 Penny is its financial reliability. It is a solid coin. And in times such as we are experiencing, this genuinely counts.

In fact, we would go one step further and say that over the long term it has probably been one of our most consistent and trustworthy numismatic performers.

Perhaps this is the very reason why in 2020, 1930 Pennies are noticeably 'thin on the ground'. Dealers are reporting that even heavily circulated examples are not readily available. And that quality examples, such as this coin, are extremely hard to find.

Australia’s 1930 Penny is legendary, and its star status has made it one of Australia’s most popular rare coins.

Officially the 1930 Penny was never struck and a review of minting records at the Melbourne Mint confirms that no pennies were struck for circulation in that year. But as we now know. A small quantity of pennies was issued by the Melbourne Mint with an estimated mintage of 1000 to 1500.

And while many theories have been put forward as to how the error occurred, no one really knows how and why.

That no one has a definite answer only adds to the romance and the mystery that has shaped the image and profile of Australia’s 1930 Penny.

Unrivalled for popularity, the coin enjoys a constant stream of demand unmatched by any other numismatic rarity.

It is an industry phenomenon, for in a market that is quality focused it is interesting to note that the 1930 Penny is keenly sought irrespective of its quality ranking. And growth over the mid to long term has been significant across all quality levels.

The 1930 Penny was selling for £50 in the 1950s. A decade later, by decimal changeover, the coin was fetching £255 ($510). By 1988, Australia's Bicentenary, the 1930 Penny had reached $6000. By the turn of the century, with interest in coins stimulated by the Sydney Olympics, 1930 Penny prices had moved to $13,000.

And with a 100th anniversary just a decade away, the push to acquire Australia’s favourite Penny is already on.

An impressive 1930 Penny with nice edges, well defined upper and lower scrolls and inner beading. And strong '1930' date.

The obverse shows the first side of the central diamond emerging and six pearls. The coin has minimal marks in the field.