1930 Penny

The aesthetics, how the 1930 Penny looks to the naked eye, is an important part of the selection process.

The reason is simply that the 1930 Penny was minted by accident and no one knew of its existence until at least ten years after it was issued.

Which means that the coins were used, with the majority well used, before collectors discovered its very being, enduring the rigours of being handled, mishandled, dropped, scratched and rattling around in change.

We don’t particularly like coins that have massive edge knocks or gouges. And we don't like coins that have significant scratches. If they have such defects we will price them down accordingly.

Once the coin has passed the ‘aesthetics test’ it is time to examine the fine details under a glass. 

The obverse of this 1930 Penny is graded 'About Very Fine' with:

• three sides of the central diamond showing.
• six clear plump pearls in the crown.
• the oval to the left of the central diamond is almost complete
• the lower band of the crown is complete.

The reverse is graded similarly and has strong upper and lower scrolls and well defined inner beading.

Handsome chestnut toning, minimal marks in the field, a strong ‘1930’ date, this coin will make owning an example of Australia’s most famous copper rarity a reality for just one buyer. It is a coin that you will be proud to show your family and friends.

It is a truly attractive example of Australia’s most famous copper rarity and must have become a prized collectable very soon into its life for it shows minimal effects of having been used.

Australia’s 1930 Penny is legendary and its star status has made it one of Australia’s most valuable 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 were issued by the Melbourne Mint with the estimate mintage being 1000 – 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 over a decade away, the push to acquire Australia’s favourite Penny is already on.