1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Penny)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
Early 1930s (Dated 1930)
Material
95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze); High quality metal composition used prior to 1982 zinc transition.
Condition
Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8 circualted). The coin shows significant wear on Lincoln\'s hair and cheekbone, and the rim is beginning to merge with the lettering. Dark brownish patina indicative of heavy circulation.
Demand Level
Moderate to Low. While Wheat pennies are always collected, the 1930 P is a high-mintage year (310 million+), making it very common even in vintage collections.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $0.15 | Mid: $0.35 | High: $1.00 (High end only if sold to a beginner collector or in a bulk lot)
Estimated Retail Value
$0.20 - $0.50
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings show individual 1930-P cents in average circulated condition selling for $0.10 to $0.99 plus shipping. Rolls of 50 mixed 1930s wheat cents typically sell for $5-$10.
Description
A 1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent from the Philadelphia Mint. This vintage copper coin features Victor David Brenner\'s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse (implied by the date/type). This specific example has a dark chocolate brown patina and visible circulation wear consistent with century-old currency.
Key Features
Early Depression-era date; Wheat back design (discontinued in 1958); high copper content; iconic American numismatic history.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font for the date and LIBERTY; authentic patina; no signs of a removed mint mark (1930 Philadelphia coins have no mark). High confidence in authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Significant circulation wear, flattened details on the portrait, minor rim dings, and heavy oxidation/toning. Not a key date or rare mint mark.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (in bulk lots), Etsy (as a craft supply/jewelry component), or local coin shops (only as part of a larger collection).
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin, as it destroys numismatic value. This item is best sold as part of a 'Wheat Penny Starter Set' or a '1930s Decade Set' rather than individually. For shipping, use a standard envelope with a 'non-machinable' stamp to save costs.