1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 22nd of 50 years in the series. In 1930, coins were struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 221.8 million. This ranks 21st of 50 years by total mintage, below the series median of 350.9 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin and the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 51 known die varieties for this date across 7 categories, including bie die break cent, die break, doubled die obverse and 4 other types. Produced 8 years after the celebrated 1922 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $38 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $288 in MS67BN grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by Victor David Brenner.