The 1909 Lincoln Penny holds a special place in coin collectors’ history. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. It was released to mark Lincoln’s 100th birthday. But not all 1909 Penny coins are the same. One special edition, called the 1909-S VDB Penny, is extremely rare and valuable. Only 484,000 examples of this coin were made, and if you find one in good condition, it can sell for millions today.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Penny so special?
The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, and his initials “V.D.B.” were inscribed on the reverse of the coin. However, many at the time felt these initials were too prominent, so the U.S. Mint quickly removed them.
Prior to this, a small bin was minted at the San Francisco Mint with the letters “S” on it. Because this coin had both the “S” mint mark and “V.D.B.” mint mark on it, the 1909-S VDB coin became one of the most sought-after U.S. coins.
How to Identify a Genuine 1909-S VDB Penny?
If you are looking for a genuine 1909-S VDB Penny, check for these key features:
- Date: The coin should be dated 1909.
- Mint Mark: There should be a clean “S” below the date, indicating that it was made in San Francisco.
- Initials: Look at the back of the coin. The letters “V.D.B.” should be at the bottom, between the wheat stems.
- Color and Condition: Old coins change color over time. They can be red, reddish-brown or brown, depending on how well they have been preserved.
What is the value of a 1909-S VDB penny?
The coin’s value depends on its condition and color:
- Essential advice for collectors: If you find a 1909 penny coin, don’t panic unless it has both an “S” mint mark and the letters “V.D.B.”
- Don’t confuse it with these similar coins:
- 1909 VDB (without S): Common and easy to find.
- 1909-S (without VDB): Rare, but not as valuable as the “S VDB” version.
If you think you have a 1909-S VDB, don’t clean or polish it. Instead, have it checked out by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can confirm its authenticity and give you a fair price.
Conclusion:
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a real collector’s gem. Fewer than a few million were produced, and those that remain in decent shape are extremely scarce. If you come across a coin such as this, it might be a valuable piece of American history. Look closely at your old coin collection—this small copper coin might be worth millions. Always check with the professionals before you sell or exhibit it, and always remember: the tiniest details create the biggest differences.
FAQs
1. What makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $100K?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is valued at $100K due to its rarity, condition, and unique characteristics. Certain years and mint marks, especially from the 1909–1958 period, are more sought after by collectors.
2. How can a Lincoln Wheat Penny still be in circulation?
While the Lincoln Wheat Penny is no longer actively produced for general circulation, older pennies, especially those from the 1940s and 1950s, are still in circulation and can be found in everyday change.
3. How do I know if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth $100K?
To determine if your Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth $100K, you’ll need to check its mint year, condition (grade), and rarity. Consulting with a coin appraiser or using specialized coin valuation guides can help.
4. Where can I sell my valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
If you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, you can sell it to reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms like eBay, but make sure to research current market values first.
5. What makes certain years of the Lincoln Wheat Penny more valuable?
Some years are more valuable due to low mintage numbers, unique errors, or special edition coins. For example, the 1909-S VDB and the 1914-D are highly prized by collectors.
