The 1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a small but important piece of American numismatic history. Struck during the tail end of the Roaring Twenties and just before the depths of the Great Depression, the 1930 penny represents a pivotal era in U.S. history. This coin, part of the popular Wheat Cent series, is a favorite among collectors due to its affordability, historical context, and the enduring appeal of the Lincoln design.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny, including its mint varieties, value by condition, design features, and tips for collectors.
History and Background of the 1930 Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Lincoln Cent, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The wheat ears on the reverse symbolized national prosperity and remained a defining feature of the coin until 1958, when they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
The 1930 Lincoln Penny was minted during a time of economic uncertainty. The Great Depression had begun the previous year, and while the full impact wasn’t yet felt in 1930, the U.S. Mint reduced coin production compared to earlier years. This makes some 1930 Lincoln Pennies slightly scarcer than their predecessors.
Mint Marks and Varieties
Three mints produced Lincoln Wheat Pennies in 1930:
- 1930 (No Mint Mark) – Philadelphia Mint
- 1930-D – Denver Mint
- 1930-S – San Francisco Mint
Here’s a breakdown of the mintage figures for each:
- 1930 (Philadelphia): 157,415,000 minted
- 1930-D (Denver): 40,100,000 minted
- 1930-S (San Francisco): 24,286,000 minted
As you can see, the 1930-S penny had the lowest mintage, making it the most sought-after variety among collectors.
Design Details
The obverse of the 1930 Lincoln penny features:
- A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln
- The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” across the top
- “LIBERTY” on the left side
- The date “1930” on the right
- A mint mark (if present) below the date
The reverse showcases:
- The inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” in bold
- Two stylized wheat ears curving along the left and right edges
- The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across the top
This classic design remained unchanged from 1909 through 1958.
1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value
The value of a 1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on its mint mark, condition, and whether it exhibits any errors or varieties. Here’s a general price guide as of 2025:
► 1930 (Philadelphia, No Mint Mark)
- Good (G-4): $0.10
- Fine (F-12): $0.25
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $0.75
- Uncirculated (MS-60): $3.00 – $6.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65): $15 – $25+
► 1930-D (Denver Mint)
- Good (G-4): $0.20
- Fine (F-12): $0.35
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $1.00
- Uncirculated (MS-60): $4.00 – $7.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65): $30 – $50+
► 1930-S (San Francisco Mint)
- Good (G-4): $0.30
- Fine (F-12): $0.60
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $2.50
- Uncirculated (MS-60): $10 – $15
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65): $70 – $100+
💡 Key Takeaway: The 1930-S penny in high grades is the most valuable of the three and can be a strong addition to any Lincoln cent collection.
Rare Errors and Varieties
Some 1930 Lincoln Wheat Pennies can be worth significantly more due to rare errors or die varieties. Keep an eye out for:
➤ Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
Look for noticeable doubling in the date or the letters of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
➤ Repunched Mint Marks (RPM)
These occur when the mint mark was punched into the die more than once and misaligned. RPMs are most often seen on 1930-D and 1930-S coins.
➤ Off-Center Strikes
Coins struck off-center can range in value from $10 to $100+ depending on how much of the design is missing and the overall condition.
➤ BIE Errors
A die break between the “B” and “E” of “LIBERTY” creates what looks like the word “BIE.” These are collectible novelty errors.
Always have suspicious coins authenticated by a reputable third-party grader like PCGS or NGC to confirm rarity and condition.
Collecting Tips for the 1930 Lincoln Cent
If you’re interested in collecting the 1930 penny or building a complete Lincoln Wheat Cent set, here are some helpful tips:
✅ Focus on Condition
Higher-grade coins always hold more value. Look for uncirculated (MS60+) examples, especially for the 1930-S.
✅ Buy Certified Coins
For expensive coins or key dates, consider purchasing professionally graded coins from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS to ensure authenticity.
✅ Store Properly
Keep your wheat pennies in acid-free holders or coin flips and store them in a cool, dry place to avoid corrosion or environmental damage.
✅ Consider a Type Set
If you’re not ready for a full Wheat Penny collection, a type set (one coin from each major design or year) is a great way to start.
✅ Avoid Cleaned Coins
Polishing or cleaning a coin reduces its numismatic value. Always choose coins with natural toning or luster.
Is the 1930 Wheat Penny Rare?
While the 1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny is not considered “rare” in circulated grades, high-grade uncirculated examples, especially the 1930-S, are scarcer and more desirable. Error coins and varieties can also be rare and command high premiums.
Final Thoughts
The 1930 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a fascinating and affordable collectible that offers a glimpse into early 20th-century American coinage. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting your collection, the 1930 penny—with its historical significance and attractive design—is a worthy addition to any collection.
With mintmark varieties, potential for valuable errors, and decent availability, it strikes a perfect balance between affordability and investment potential. Always do your research, buy from reputable dealers, and enjoy the journey of coin collecting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most valuable 1930 Lincoln penny?
A: A 1930-S Lincoln penny in MS-65+ condition or with an error like a doubled die can be worth over $100 or more.
Q: How do I know if my 1930 penny is worth money?
A: Check the mint mark, coin condition, and look for errors. If it’s uncirculated or has a known variety, it could be worth significantly more.
Q: Are 1930 wheat pennies made of silver?
A: No. All 1930 Lincoln Wheat Pennies are made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.