Examining a 1930 Penny is a three-step process.

The first step is to look at the coin in the flesh using just the naked eye.

A truly great coin will always look good to the unaided eye. And this coin is impressive!

The reverse has strong definition in the upper and lower scrolls. The fields are highly reflective with even, handsome chocolate brown toning. The edges are solid. The inner beading which is invariably weakly struck between the 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock area is crisp and well defined. The legend 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA' and date '1930' are powerful.

Moving the obverse through the light you see the complete lower band of the crown. You also observe the strong design details of the monarch's robes and the minimal wear to the king's eyebrow and moustache. We also comment on the highly reflective obverse fields, the handsome chocolate brown toning and the solid edges.

The second step is to take up a magnifying glass and examine the coin in detail.

The eye glass re-confirms what we have seen to the naked eye ... and much, much more.

We have graded this coin Good Very Fine which indicates that there are four sides of the central diamond and six crisp pearls, and vestiges of that elusive seventh and eighth pearl. The oval to the left of the central diamond is intact.

The final step is to re-visit the coin with the naked eye.

Just to make sure that you have taken everything in. Start with the edges and work your way in .... inner beading, upper and lower scrolls, fields. And on the obverse, start with the edges, then the portrait and the fields. 

The final assessment of this 1930 Penny confirms that it is a great coin and passes our three-point assessment with flying colours.

(Scroll to the end of the page to view enlarged photographs of this 1930 Penny. )

There are many reasons why collectors love the 1930 Penny and one of the prime reasons is its financial reliability.

It is a solid coin. And this genuinely counts. In fact, we would go one step further and say that over the long term the 1930 Penny has probably been one of our most consistent and trustworthy numismatic performers.

The second reason is that the 1930 Penny is as Australian as you can get. Struck during the Great Depression, the 1930 Penny is the nation’s glamour coin and is unrivalled for popularity, enjoying a constant stream of demand unmatched by any other numismatic rarity.

The third reason is that the 1930 Penny is sought after at all quality levels and all dollar levels. It is in many respects an industry phenomenon, for in a market that is quality focused 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. Well circulated (Fine) 1930 Pennies were selling for £50 in the 1950s. A decade later, by decimal changeover, the coins were fetching £255 ($510). By 1988, Australia's Bicentenary, a Fine 1930 Penny had reached $6000. The turn of the century saw 1930 Penny prices move to a minimum of $13,000. Twenty years later prices have more than doubled. And with a 100th anniversary just six years away, the push to acquire Australia’s favourite Penny is really on.

Commonwealth of Australia 1930 Penny struck at the Melbourne Mint, featuring the portrait of King George V designed by Bertram Mackennal.

Price $70,000

Good Very Fine

Downies sale by private treaty to A. White, August 1999 • Sale by private treaty to current owner, September 2010

This coin is graded Good Very Fine which indicates that there are four sides of the central diamond and six crisp pearls, and vestiges of that elusive seventh and eighth pearl. The oval to the left of the central diamond is intact.

This coin will appeal to the buyer that is looking for a high quality 1930 Penny, one that stands out from the rest. And this coin is most certainly a stand-out piece.

It stands out not just because of its technical grading. But because it has miraculously escaped harsh treatment during its time in circulation. And that’s a total fluke!