A 1930-S graded MS-67 Red sold for $33,350 at auction — yet most 1930 pennies are worth just a few cents. Your coin's story depends entirely on its mint mark, condition, and whether it carries one of the known error varieties. This guide cuts straight to the numbers.
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Use the Calculator →The 1930-S Repunched Mintmark FS-501 is the most sought-after variety of the year — a secondary "S" rotated clockwise beneath the final impression, visible under 10× magnification. Use this quick checklist to see if your coin qualifies.
Clean, single impression with no shadow or secondary outline visible even under magnification.
A rotated clockwise secondary "S" is visible beneath the primary impression — looks like a ghost or shadow outline.
Values below reflect typical retail/auction ranges based on publicly recorded sales. For a fully illustrated, step-by-step 1930 penny identification walkthrough covering all varieties and die states, see this detailed 1930 penny value breakdown and identification guide. Color designation (RD/RB/BN) applies only to uncirculated coins and can multiply value significantly.
| Variety | Worn (G–VG) | Circulated (F–EF) | Uncirculated (MS-60–63) | Gem MS (MS-64–67 RD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 Philadelphia (No Mark) | $0.25–$0.75 | $1–$8 | $8–$30 | $47–$10,925 |
| 1930-D Denver | $0.50–$1.50 | $2–$12 | $15–$75 | $75–$33,600 |
| 1930-S San Francisco | $1–$6 | $3–$15 | $20–$100 | $100–$33,350 |
| 1930-S/S RPM FS-501 ⭐ | $5–$20 | $20–$80 | $80–$500 | $500–$7,000+ |
| 1930-D/D RPM FS-501/502 🔥 | $5–$15 | $20–$60 | $60–$300 | $300–$1,080+ |
| BIE Die Crack Error (any mint) | $2–$5 | $5–$25 | $15–$50 | $50–$150+ |
| Off-Center Strike (any mint) | $10–$35 | $35–$150 | $80–$400 | $200–$1,000+ |
⭐ = Signature variety (1930-S/S FS-501) · 🔥 = Rarest confirmed variety
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Five distinct categories of mint-made errors and varieties add measurable collector premiums to 1930 Lincoln cents. The varieties below are documented across PCGS CoinFacts, CoinTrackers, CoinValueChecker, and CoinValueApp, listed here in descending order of maximum realized value. Each card details the origin, visual diagnostics, and what drives collector demand.
This variety was created when the San Francisco Mint's die-cutter punched the "S" mintmark into the working die twice, with the second impression landing at a different angle than the first. The result is a permanent double image in the die that transferred to every coin struck with it.
Under 10× magnification, the secondary "S" is clearly visible rotated clockwise beneath the primary impression, creating what looks like a shadow or ghost outline. The curved form of the "S" makes the doubling more subtle on this variety than the Denver issue — examination requires angled light and patience.
Collectors prize this variety because it is CONECA-listed and carries a formal Fivaz-Stanton designation (FS-501), which means professional third-party graders will attribute and label it. A population of just 26–27 examples graded MS-64 Red by PCGS underscores its rarity in high mint state, driving prices to $7,000 in MS-67 Red.
The Denver Mint produced two distinct repunched mintmark varieties on 1930 cents, catalogued as FS-501 and FS-502. Both arose when the hand-punched "D" mintmark was applied to a working die more than once, with each subsequent punch landing at a slightly different position or angle. The Denver errors follow a vertical offset pattern, unlike the rotated angle seen on the San Francisco issue.
On FS-501, the secondary "D" appears shifted downward and to the left of the primary impression, leaving a raised remnant of the lower curve of the secondary punch. FS-502 shows a northward offset. Both require loupe examination to distinguish from die gouges or minor contact marks. The vertically displaced character is the key diagnostic.
These Denver RPM varieties are catalogued in PCGS CoinFacts under separate entry numbers and are attributable by professional grading services. A Heritage Auctions sale in November 2023 confirmed $1,080 for an MS-64 Red example, establishing current market benchmarks for the finest accessible specimens.
The BIE error is exclusive to Lincoln wheat pennies and is one of the most charming die-break varieties in American coinage. It occurs when a stress fracture forms in the working die between the "B" and "E" of the word "LIBERTY," creating a raised vertical ridge that looks exactly like the letter "I" — thus spelling out "B-I-E" instead of the intended "B-E."
Visually, the error appears as a raised, irregular vertical line between the "B" and "E." You can often feel it by running a fingernail across the surface. Because the crack is raised above the coin surface, it cannot be confused with a scratch (which would be incused). The 1930 wheat penny was struck with heavily used dies, making die cracks and BIE varieties relatively common for this year.
Over 1,500 BIE varieties have been documented across all Lincoln cent years, and collectors actively pursue date sets of these errors. While the 1930 BIE is not rare, dramatic examples with thick, prominent cracks command significant premiums over the base coin value, especially on uncirculated red specimens with no other surface issues.
Off-center strikes occur when a blank planchet is not properly centered beneath the die at the moment of striking. The result is a coin where the design is shifted to one side, leaving a blank crescent-shaped area of undecorated copper on the opposite side. The degree of misalignment — expressed as a percentage — is the primary value driver.
On 1930 wheat pennies, off-center percentages commonly seen range from 5% (barely noticeable) up to 50% or more (dramatically displaced). The most valuable examples are those where the full date and mint mark remain visible despite significant misalignment — a 50% off-center coin that still shows "1930" and the "S" is worth far more than one where the date is clipped. Collectors call this the "date-visible premium."
Off-center 1930 pennies generate strong interest because the combination of the Depression-era date with a dramatic visual error appeals to both error specialists and date collectors. San Francisco mint examples in MS-66 RD with 50% off-center strikes have been estimated at $1,000 or more, while modest 10% examples in Denver brown bring under $100.
Strike-through errors happen when foreign material — most commonly hardened grease, lint, or metal fragments — gets trapped in a die cavity at the moment of striking. This material physically blocks the design from transferring to the planchet, resulting in weakened, missing, or ghosted design elements on the finished coin. The 1930 issue, produced during high-volume Depression-era operations, shows a range of such errors.
The most visible and valuable strike-throughs are those where one or more complete letters in "LIBERTY" or "IN GOD WE TRUST" are either absent or severely flattened. A coin missing the "L" in LIBERTY (as documented in collector forum archives for 1930 Philadelphia pennies) is a classic example. Grease errors on digits of the date — where the "0" or "3" in "1930" appears partially filled in — are also known and documented.
Unlike post-mint damage such as tooling or environmental damage, authentic strike-through errors show softened design from the die side only, with the coin's field remaining normal around the affected area. Strike-throughs affecting major design elements typically bring $100–$250 in circulated grades, with bold uncirculated examples fetching the upper end of the range from specialist error collectors.
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| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | % of Total | Relative Scarcity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 157,415,000 | 71% | Abundant in all grades |
| Denver | D | 40,100,000 | 18% | Scarce MS-65 RD and above |
| San Francisco | S | 24,286,000 | 11% | Scarce MS-64+; MS-66 very difficult |
| TOTAL | — | 221,801,000 | 100% | — |
Lincoln's cheek and jaw merge into a single flat area. Most hair detail is lost. The wheat stalks on the reverse are flat but still visible. Date and LIBERTY remain legible. Value: $0.25–$1.50.
Hair lines above Lincoln's ear visible. Bowtie remains clear with a distinct edge. Lapel coat line is faintly visible in Fine; clean and clear in EF. Wheat stalks retain individual grain detail. Value: $1–$15.
No wear on the highest points — cheekbone, hair curls, and wheat stalk tips. May show bag marks or contact marks. Luster may be broken or partly faded. Color can be BN, RB, or RD. Value: $8–$100.
Full cartwheel luster under a single light source. Razor-sharp strike — individual wheat grain tips fully raised. No significant contact marks. Full Red color retained. These are the coins that set auction records. Value: $47–$33,600.
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The top choice for certified MS-65+ coins, RPM varieties, and dramatic error coins. Heritage reaches the largest audience of serious numismatists. Consignment fees apply (~15–20%). Best for coins worth $200 or more. Submit 6–8 weeks before a major sale for best results.
eBay is the most liquid market for circulated 1930 wheat pennies. Search recently sold 1930 wheat penny listings and prices on eBay to set a competitive price. Use "Sold listings" filter to see real transaction data. Best for mid-range coins ($5–$200). Takes ~13% in fees.
Best for quick cash on common circulated examples. Expect dealer buy prices of 40–60% of retail. Bring multiple coins for better negotiating position. LCS dealers often cherry-pick RPM varieties, so have your variety research done beforehand to avoid leaving money on the table.
Reddit's coin marketplace charges no fees and connects you directly with enthusiast collectors. Strong for mid-grade 1930-S examples and error coins. Requires photo documentation and honest grading notes. Peer feedback is fast and community members often recognize RPM varieties on sight.
A 1930 wheat penny in worn circulated condition is worth roughly $0.25–$2. Nicely circulated examples (EF-AU) bring $2–$15. Uncirculated red examples (MS-63 to MS-65) can reach $15–$200 depending on the mint mark. The top auction records are $33,350 for a 1930-S in MS-67 RD and $33,600 for a 1930-D in MS-67 RD. The 1930 Philadelphia MS-67 RD sold for $10,925.
Three mint marks exist. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark and had the highest mintage of 157,415,000. Denver coins bear a "D" mint mark below the date (40,100,000 minted). San Francisco coins bear an "S" mint mark (24,286,000 minted). The mint mark is located on the obverse just below and to the right of the date.
The 1930-S/S Repunched Mintmark FS-501 is the most sought-after variety from this year. It occurs when the "S" mintmark was punched into the die more than once at different angles, leaving a visible secondary "S" rotated beneath the final impression. Under magnification you can see a clockwise shadow outline around the primary "S." In MS-67 Red grade this variety has sold for up to $7,000.
Known 1930 penny errors include the 1930-S/S FS-501 Repunched Mintmark, the 1930-D/D FS-501 and FS-502 Repunched Mintmarks, BIE die crack errors (a raised "I" between the B and E of LIBERTY), off-center strikes, strike-through errors, lamination flaws, and minor doubled die varieties. No major dramatically valuable doubled die obverse has been confirmed for 1930, but subtle DDO examples exist.
The 1930-D is not rare in circulated grades, but it is significantly scarcer than the Philadelphia issue. With 40,100,000 minted — about one quarter of Philadelphia's output — it commands small premiums in circulated grades. In high mint state (MS-65 Red and above) it becomes genuinely scarce and a 1930-D MS-67 RD example holds a top auction record of $33,600.
Color designation applies only to uncirculated copper coins. "Red" (RD) means at least 95% of the original mint luster remains — the coin looks bright orange-copper. "Red-Brown" (RB) means 5–94% original red survives. "Brown" (BN) means the coin has fully oxidized to chocolate-brown. Red examples can be worth two to five times more than Brown examples in the same numeric grade.
The top auction records for 1930 wheat pennies are $33,600 for a 1930-D graded MS-67 Red, and $33,350 for a 1930-S graded MS-67 Red. For the Philadelphia issue, a 1930 (no mint mark) graded MS-67 Red sold for $10,925 in 2005. These prices reflect the extreme rarity of coins at the pinnacle of the grading scale, where even a single grade point separates common from premium collectibles.
Never clean a 1930 wheat penny. Cleaning leaves hairline scratches under magnification that professional graders detect immediately. A cleaned coin receives a "details" or "cleaned" designation from PCGS or NGC, which destroys its collector value. A naturally toned, untouched coin — even if not bright — is always worth more than a cleaned example of the same coin. Store coins in acid-free holders and handle only by the edges.
Look on the obverse (heads side) of the coin. Just below and to the right of the date "1930," a small letter will appear if the coin was minted in Denver ("D") or San Francisco ("S"). If no letter is present, the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Use a 5× or 10× magnifier in good lighting to confirm. The mint mark is small — roughly 1mm tall — and worn coins may make it hard to read.
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worthwhile when your coin appears to be uncirculated (MS-60 or better) or if it shows a clear error variety such as the 1930-S/S RPM FS-501 or an off-center strike. Grading fees typically run $20–$50 per coin for standard service. For worn circulated examples worth under $5, grading is not cost-effective. For high-grade or error coins worth $100 or more, authentication and grading can significantly increase sale price.
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