1909: For most people, a penny is pocket change — hardly worth noticing. But in the world of coin collecting, a rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny can be worth a small fortune. In fact, one in excellent condition has been valued at over $900,000, and surprisingly, some collectors claim these elusive coins are still being found in everyday circulation.
The Story Behind the 1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny holds a special place in American numismatic history. It was the very first year the Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted, designed by Victor David Brenner to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday.
The “VDB” represents Brenner’s initials, which originally appeared prominently on the reverse. However, some critics thought the initials were too large, prompting the U.S. Mint to remove them shortly after production began. As a result, only 484,000 coins were struck with the “VDB” initials at the San Francisco Mint, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Wheat Pennies.
Why It’s Worth Over $900,000
While circulated examples of the 1909-S VDB often sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, the record-breaking values come from coins in mint state, uncirculated condition. The value is driven by:
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Low Mintage – Fewer than half a million were made.
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Historical Significance – First year of the Lincoln cent series.
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Collector Demand – Every serious Wheat Penny collection needs one.
Still in Circulation?
It might sound impossible, but rare coins have been found in pocket change, coin rolls, and old family jars. Many people don’t realize they’re holding something valuable, especially if the coin shows some wear. While the odds are slim, there are reports from collectors who have stumbled upon this rare penny purely by chance.
How to Identify a 1909-S VDB Penny
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Date – Look for “1909” on the front.
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Mint Mark – A small “S” under the date indicates San Francisco Mint.
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VDB Initials – Found at the bottom of the reverse between the wheat stalks.
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Condition – The better the condition, the higher the value.
Final Thoughts
If you ever come across a 1909-S VDB penny, treat it like treasure — because it is. Even a well-worn example can be worth hundreds, and if it’s in pristine condition, it could be worth nearly a million dollars.
FAQs – 1909-S VDB Penny Valued at Over $900,000
1. What makes the 1909-S VDB penny so rare?
It was minted for only a short time in 1909 before the designer’s initials, “VDB,” were removed, resulting in a low mintage of just 484,000 coins.
2. Where are the VDB initials located on the coin?
They appear on the reverse side, at the bottom between the two wheat stalks.
3. Can a circulated 1909-S VDB penny still be valuable?
Yes. Even well-worn examples can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on condition.
4. Is it really possible to find one in circulation today?
While rare, some collectors have reported finding them in pocket change, coin rolls, or old collections.
5. How can I confirm if my penny is authentic?
Have it professionally graded and authenticated by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC to avoid counterfeits.