Price Guide for 1930 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $33,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.50 – $3,605.55
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,200.00Uncirculated: $0.65 – $33,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.50 – $6,636.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $288.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $29.99Uncirculated: $6.50 – $189.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $11.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $75.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $851.88
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eBayCirculated: $48.83 – $111.89
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $334.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $49.00Uncirculated: $1.04 – $1,478.70
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $12,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $25.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $94.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $149.99Uncirculated: $2.27 – $593.74
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $75.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $27.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $138.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.30 – $38.00Uncirculated: $10.10 – $227.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $14.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.16 – $432.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $160.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $230.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.51 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.25 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $7.00 – $672.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14.00 – $185.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $168.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.95Uncirculated: $29.50 – $69.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $165.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $67.00 – $160.80
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eBayUncirculated: $205.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $124.00 – $5,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $89.00 – $3,324.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85.00 – $900.00
Design and Specifications of the 1930 Cent
The 1930 Lincoln Cent was minted during the early years of the Great Depression. This year saw a significant reduction in coin production due to decreased demand for currency in circulation. Despite economic hardships, the Lincoln Cent remained an important part of everyday commerce, continuing the design that had been in use since 1909.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Lincoln portrait facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1930 Lincoln Cents. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) command significant premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable.
For circulated coins, look for specimens with clear details on Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks. The presence of original mint luster greatly enhances value. Attractive, natural toning can also increase desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 157,415,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to heavy circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 24,286,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1930 cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the wheat ears, are more desirable. The San Francisco mint coins are often found with weaker strikes, making strong examples more valuable.
Die state can also affect value. Late die state coins with flow lines or slight die deterioration are less desirable than early die state examples with crisp details. However, dramatic die errors or varieties, if discovered, could significantly increase a coin’s value.
Lastly, originality is highly prized. Coins with original surfaces, free from cleaning or other alterations, are worth more than those that have been improperly handled or artificially toned.
