The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most highly prized and valuable coins in US history. If you’re a seasoned numismatist or simply enjoy going through loose coins, this small coin might be a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Some of these coins, particularly those in mint condition, have sold for as much as $200,000 at auction. In this article, we will talk about its history, how to spot it, and why it is so valuable.
History of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny came into circulation to take the place of the Indian Head cent, a monumental shift in American currency. It was created by Victor David Brenner (VDB), and it featured Abraham Lincoln’s image, marking the hundredth anniversary of his birth.
Brenner’s initials VDB stood out below the wheat ears on the back of the coin. Yet in response to outcry over this, it was soon eliminated from later coins, and thus the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is now rare and highly sought after.
Key Features of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
In order to protect you, here are some key facts about this valuable coin:
| Year | Mint Mark | Value Range | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 VDB | Philadelphia | $8 – $225 | Good to Uncirculated |
| 1909-S VDB | San Francisco (S) | $700 – $168,000 | Good to MS67+ |
| 1909 VDB | Philadelphia | $37 – $200,000 | Uncirculated |
Why is the 1909 VDB Penny worth so much money?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny (produced in San Francisco) is the most valuable coin in the Lincoln cent series.
Just 484,000 were produced before the VDB initials were phased out, so it is a very rare coin with collectors.
The Philadelphia minting is more readily available, but still worth a lot in good condition.
How much is a 1909 VDB penny value?
A 1909 VDB penny is worth its mint mark and condition. Here is a basic price guide:
1. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint, no mint mark)
- Good to very good condition: $8 to $10
- Unworn (MS+): $37 to $225
2. 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint, “S” mint mark)
- Good condition: $700 to $800
- Unworn (MS+): $1,800 or more
- MS67+ condition: Auction record $168,000
How to Identify a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny?
Check the Date
The date of 1909 should be plainly printed below Lincoln’s image.
Look for VDB’s Initials
Flip the coin over and search for VDB’s initials on the back, which are above ONE CENT.
Verify the Mint Mark
Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark): These are the standard ones.
San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark): These are less common and more expensive.
Assess the condition
Coins are graded between 1 and 70, with higher being more valuable. Unworn (MS60 and higher) pennies are much more valuable than worn ones.
Conclusion
The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is not only an historic coin, but a collectible with monetary value as well. If you have one of these in your collection or spot one at an auction, it’s very essential to learn about its rarity, worth, and conservation procedures.
If you believe you possess a 1909-S VDB Penny, having it professionally graded can turn out to be a life-altering treasure for you.
FAQs
Q1. What is the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny?
It is a rare U.S. coin featuring the first image of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner (VDB), and minted in 1909.
Q2. Why is the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny valuable?
The coin is rare, especially the 1909-S VDB version, which has fewer mintage numbers and was quickly recalled after public objection to the VDB initials.
Q3. How can I identify a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny?
Look for the 1909 date and the VDB initials located beneath the wheat ears on the reverse side of the coin.
Q4. What is the value of a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny?
Values can range from $8 to over $200,000, depending on the mint mark and coin’s condition.
Q5. What is the difference between the 1909 and 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
The 1909-S VDB is rarer and more valuable due to a smaller mintage of only 484,000 coins.