1930 Penny

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

Because the dollars involved in acquiring a 1930 Penny are considerable, we offer one very basic tip for buyers to assist them in their decision-making process.

Select a 1930 Penny that is visually very attractive and has no obvious defects from its time in circulation.

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 coins were used, with the majority well used, before collectors discovered its very existence having endured the rigours of handling, mishandling, being dropped, scratched and rattling around in change.

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

This 1930 Penny is graded 'Nearly Very Fine' and has:

• an almost full central diamond.
• the oval to the left of the central diamond is almost complete
• six plump pearls in the crown.
• the lower band of the crown is complete.
• nice edges.
• smooth fields and handsome toning.

The reverse also is graded 'Nearly Very Fine' with:

• nice edges.
• smooth fields and handsome toning.
• strong upper and lower scrolls.
• well defined inner beading.

In a presentation befitting the coin, this 1930 Penny is presented in a handsome black presentation case, with accompanying photographs and Certificate of Authenticity.

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 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.