The 1930 Penny ... a coin to enjoy.

Five coins are detailed in this presentation, numbered one to five with the mood shots contained in the banner above and technical shots shown below.

The five coins in the banner are noted as coin 1 top left, coin 2 top right. The bottom row, from left to right, contains coins 3, 4 and 5.

Don't discount the value of the mood shots. They reflect how each coin appears in your hand which I believe is the starting point for acquiring a 1930 Penny. You have to like what you see!

The technical shots show the detail as seen under an eye glass. And it is important to note that all 1930 Pennies will show signs of circulation, but the imperfections should not overwhelm the aesthetics and be jarring to the eye.

Basic Quality Guidelines. The 1930 Penny was struck with a design featuring a central diamond and eight pearls in the crown, design high points that are the first to be subject to wear. Other elements are considered when assessing a 1930 Penny, the oval to the left of the diamond, the inner beading and the upper and lower scrolls. We also consider the edges. The fewer bumps the better!

Grading Levels

About Fine to Fine (AF to F). The average 1930 Penny is found in a quality level of About Fine to Fine. At this level, there is no evidence of the central diamond and only five or six pearls, some of which may be slightly flattened.

Good Fine (GF).  A step up in quality, the coin will have just one side of the central diamond showing and six pearls.

About Very Fine (AVF). Moving up the quality scale, the coin will have two sides of the central diamond showing and six clear pearls.

Nearly Very Fine (NVF). The central diamond will show three sides of the central diamond ... almost but not quite four. And six plump pearls.

Very Fine (VF). The  ultimate quality which has a full central diamond and six plump pearls.

My personal preference is for coins 1, 2 and 3.

I suggest that you pick a coin that you really like, that you would be proud to own, and then allow me to price it at a level that will work for you and your family.

1930 Penny number 1 - SOLD
Reverse - Very Fine 

This coin, to the naked eye, offers a ten out of ten for aesthetics. Nice even toning, strong upper and lower scrolls and inner beading. And solid edges.

1930 Penny number 1 - SOLD
Obverse - About Very Fine 

The obverse shows two, almost three, sides of the central diamond and six pearls. The oval to the left of the central diamond is partially intact. There is a complete lower band on the crown.

1930 Penny Number 2
Reverse - Very Fine 

An impressive 1930 Penny with strong definition in the upper and lower scrolls and the inner beading. Note the strong '1930' date. Also note the edges. Solid. 

1930 Penny Number 2
Obverse - Very Fine 

The obverse shows four sides of the central diamond and six plump pearls. The oval to the left of the central diamond is virtually intact. Complete lower band on the crown.