Among all the Lincoln Wheat pennies ever struck, the 1909-S VDB cent is the crown jewel. It was the very first year the Lincoln cent was minted—and this particular variety is not just rare, it’s one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics.
But before you get too excited digging through your change jar, let’s break down what makes this coin so special and how much it could really be worth today.
History
Let’s rewind to 1909. The U.S. Mint decided to celebrate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln by putting his face on the penny—a first for any real person on U.S. coinage at the time.
The designer, Victor David Brenner, placed his initials, “V.D.B.,” prominently on the reverse of the coin. The public and officials thought it was too much self-promotion, so they quickly removed the initials.
But before they did that, about 484,000 pennies were minted at the San Francisco Mint with both the “S” mintmark and the “V.D.B.” initials. And that’s how the rare 1909-S VDB penny was born.
Scarcity
Now let’s talk numbers. A typical penny is made by the millions—sometimes even billions. But fewer than half a million 1909-S VDB cents exist.
That kind of low mintage is music to a coin collector’s ears. The combination of limited supply and the fact that it was the first Lincoln cent ever made makes it incredibly desirable.
If you’re collecting Lincoln Wheat pennies, this coin is usually the hardest and most expensive one to find.
Fakes
With rarity comes risk. Because the 1909-S VDB penny can sell for serious money, it’s a favorite target for counterfeiters. Some fake coins are easy to spot, but others can be very convincing.
One common trick is altering a regular 1909 VDB coin or a 1909-S (without VDB) to make it look like the rare variety. Scammers do this by adding the mintmark or initials after the coin is made.
So how do you know if it’s real?
- Check the position and shape of the “S” mintmark—it should be perfectly aligned and clean.
- The “V.D.B.” should be clear and properly spaced on the bottom center of the reverse.
- Better yet, submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll authenticate it and tell you its exact grade.
Value
Here’s where it gets fun. Even in worn condition, a real 1909-S VDB penny can fetch $600 to $1,500. But if the coin is in great shape—say mint state (MS)—you could be talking $2,000 to over $10,000.
And in top-grade red uncirculated condition, the sky’s the limit. In April 2022, a pristine MS67 Red 1909-S VDB sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $168,000.
Here’s a quick table to show how condition affects value:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $600–$800 |
| Fine (F-12) | $800–$1,200 |
| Extremely Fine | $1,500–$2,500 |
| MS60 (Mint State) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| MS65+ (Red) | $10,000+ |
| MS67RD | $150,000+ |
Tips
- Don’t clean the coin! That can kill its value instantly.
- Store it properly—in a holder or case to prevent damage.
- If you’re not sure, get it graded. It can increase both trust and resale value.
The 1909-S VDB penny isn’t just a coin—it’s a piece of American history. Whether you’re a serious collector or someone who stumbled across one in a jar of old coins, knowing what to look for and what it’s worth is key. Who knows? That little copper coin could be your ticket to a major payday.
FAQs
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so rare?
It was only minted 484,000 times before VDB initials were removed.
What does VDB stand for on the penny?
They are the initials of designer Victor David Brenner.
How can I tell if mine is real?
Check mintmark placement or have it graded by PCGS or NGC.
What’s the value of a 1909-S VDB penny?
It ranges from $600 to over $150,000 based on condition.
Should I clean my old penny?
No—cleaning can destroy its value. Keep it in original condition.
