Among all the Lincoln Wheat pennies ever produced, few hold as much fame and collector demand as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. It’s one of those rare coins that every collector hopes to find in a pocket of old change or tucked away in a forgotten coin jar.
This particular penny marks the very first year of the Lincoln cent series and was produced in limited numbers, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in American numismatics.
Why Is the 1909-S VDB Penny So Special?
This legendary penny was minted in San Francisco, which is why it carries an S mint mark under the date on the front. The VDB initials stand for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent, and appear at the bottom of the reverse side of the coin.
Only about 484,000 of these pennies were ever minted with both the S mint mark and VDB initials. In comparison to the millions of pennies usually made each year, that number is extremely low.
Because of this limited mintage, the 1909-S VDB penny became a numismatic celebrity almost immediately after its release.
Many collectors who aim to complete a Lincoln Wheat cent collection consider this coin the crown jewel of the series.
Beware of Fakes
Whenever a coin becomes as famous and valuable as the 1909-S VDB penny, counterfeiters inevitably take notice. Unfortunately, plenty of fake versions exist, with altered mint marks or added VDB initials.
Some counterfeiters will add an S mint mark to a 1909 VDB penny from Philadelphia, or carve the initials onto a regular 1909-S penny. These fakes can be convincing, especially to new collectors.
That’s why it’s always smart to have any suspected 1909-S VDB penny authenticated by a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. Experts can check tiny details like the mint mark’s shape, placement, and the spacing of letters to determine if it’s genuine.
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent depends greatly on its condition, color, and whether it’s been graded by a professional service.
In average circulated condition, it can easily fetch anywhere from $700 to $2,000. Higher-grade, uncirculated examples command much steeper prices.
For example, in April 2022, a 1909-S VDB penny graded MS67RD — meaning it was in near-perfect mint state with bright red color — sold at auction for a staggering $168,000.
Even coins in less pristine condition can be worth thousands, especially if they have a strong strike, good eye appeal, and original color.
What to Do If You Find One
If you ever come across a 1909 penny with an S mint mark and VDB initials on the reverse, don’t rush to sell or clean it. Cleaning a coin can seriously hurt its value. Instead, handle it carefully by the edges and get it authenticated by a professional service.
It could be worth more than a car or even a house, depending on its condition.
Final Thoughts
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat cent is one of the most iconic and valuable American coins ever made. With its limited mintage, rich history, and high demand, it remains a dream find for collectors around the world.
If you’re going through an old coin collection or a box of vintage pennies, keep an eye out for this rare treasure. It might just be worth a fortune.
FAQs
What does the ‘S’ mean on a 1909-S VDB penny?
It indicates the penny was minted in San Francisco.
Who designed the 1909 Lincoln cent?
Victor David Brenner, whose initials ‘VDB’ appear on the reverse.
How rare is the 1909-S VDB penny?
Only 484,000 were minted, making it extremely rare.
How much can a 1909-S VDB penny be worth?
From $700 to over $168,000 based on condition and grading.
How can I tell if my 1909-S VDB penny is real?
Have it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
