Coin collectors and enthusiasts, get a closer look at your loose change! The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny, the most desired coin in American history, may be nestled in your collection. If you just so happen to own one in mint condition, it can be worth as much as $200,000. Let’s learn what makes this uncommon penny so valuable and how you can find out if you own one.
History of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny replaced the Indian Head cent and was the first U.S. coin to display a real human being. “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) was struck on the reverse side of the coin at the bottom between wheat stalks. This angered many people so that the VDB initials had to be scrapped later in that year. As a result, this limited series makes the 1909 VDB penny ultra-rare.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
Although all 1909 VDB pennies are valuable, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is the real treasure. The “S” mint mark means it was produced in San Francisco, and only 484,000 of them were made. Due to this limited mintage, collectors clamor for them, making them more valuable. A mint-condition 1909-S VDB penny graded MS67 Red has sold for close to $200,000 at auctions.
How to Identify a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
If you believe you may have one of these valuable pennies, do the following:
- Inspect the obverse (front) of the coin for the date “1909.”
- Inspect the reverse (back) of the coin for the initials “VDB” in the bottom center between the stalks of wheat.
- Check the mint mark:
No mint mark = Philadelphia mint (less common but still worth something)
“S” mint mark beneath the date = San Francisco mint (very rare and worth a lot of money) - Evaluate the condition: Coins with minimal wear and original red sheen (graded “Red”) are worth the most.
How Much Is a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny Worth?
1. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia, No Mint Mark)
- Circulated: $10 – $50
- Uncirculated: $100 – $2,500
2. 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint, with “S” Mint Mark)
- Circulated: $700 – $2,500
- Uncirculated: $10,000 – $200,000 (depending on grade and condition)
What to Do If You Have One
If you think you have a 1909 VDB penny, particularly a 1909-S VDB, do the following:
- Don’t clean or polish the coin. Cleaning diminishes its value considerably.
- Have it graded and authenticated by a well-known coin grading company like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).
- Sell it at auction or through a reputable coin dealer to make sure you get top dollar for your pennies.
Final Thought
Uncommon coins such as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny show that treasures may be hiding in your coin jars, old collections, or inherited items. You might be a collector or simply someone going through loose change, but finding this uncommon penny can translate into a fortune. Begin searching today—your pennies from years ago may be worth a fortune!
FAQ’s
Why were the “VDB” initials taken off?
The initials were deemed too prominent on the back, and there was public outcry. They were reinstated in a smaller font below Lincoln’s shoulder in 1918 so that they could still be a subtle yet significant element of the coin’s design.
Are all 1909 Lincoln Pennies worth something?
Not all 1909 Lincoln Pennies are rare. The 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB varieties are the most valuable due to their unique features and limited mintage. Regular 1909 pennies without the “VDB” initials are less sought after.