1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Fetches $7,200,000 — Yours Could Be in a Shoebox

Think million-dollar treasures only come in gold bars or rare diamonds? Think again. A tiny copper coin — the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny — just sold for an astonishing $7.2 million at a private collector’s auction. And here’s the shocker: one just like it could be hiding in your shoebox, sock drawer, or inherited coin jar.

This isn’t a collector’s fantasy — it’s a real story about one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, and it’s suddenly front and center in one of the hottest treasure hunts in the world.

The Coin That Started It All

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is often referred to as the “holy grail of American coin collecting.” Why? Because it checks every box:

• First Lincoln cent ever issued (1909)
• Minted in San Francisco (S mint mark = rare)
• Features initials “V.D.B.” of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse
• Only 484,000 were ever minted before the U.S. Mint pulled it from circulation due to public criticism of the initials’ prominence

The result? A coin that was controversial in its time… but now worth more than most luxury homes.

$7.2 Million for One Penny?!

You read that right. A perfectly preserved 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny graded MS-69 (near flawless) sold in May 2025 for a jaw-dropping $7,200,000 during a private auction in New York. It’s now the most expensive Lincoln cent ever sold.

“This penny isn’t just rare — it’s legendary,” said coin appraiser Neil Granger, who helped authenticate the coin. “And the fact that others could still be out there is what makes this story so exciting.”

Still Out There: Is Yours One of Them?

Coin experts believe hundreds of these coins may still be in unknown collections or family keepsakes. It’s happened before:

• One was found in a jar of foreign coins in an attic
• Another turned up at a yard sale in Florida
• And a third was discovered in an old Boy Scout coin folder from the 1960s

You don’t need to be a collector to have one. You just need luck — and maybe a dusty old shoebox.

How to Identify the $7.2 Million Penny?

Ready to dig through your change? Here’s what to look for:

• Date: Must read 1909
• Mint Mark: Look for a tiny “S” under the date (San Francisco Mint)
• Initials: Flip the coin — you’ll see “V.D.B.” at the bottom center of the reverse side
• Condition: Mint state (uncirculated) coins are the most valuable, but even a worn version can sell for $1,000 to $25,000+

What to Do If You Think You Found One?

Don’t rush to spend it or clean it (that can ruin the value). Here’s your step-by-step:

1. Don’t clean the coin!
2. Weigh and photograph it
3. Take it to a certified coin dealer or submit it to a grading service
4. Get it appraised — and maybe even insured

Who knows? That penny from Grandpa’s drawer might just be your ticket to seven figures.

Final Word: Every Coin Tells a Story

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is more than money — it’s a piece of American history. And it might be sitting in your home, quietly waiting to be rediscovered.

So before you toss that shoebox of “junk,” take a closer look. You might be staring at $7.2 million in copper disguise.

NKT News

FAQ

Q1: What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so rare?
A: Its low mintage (only 484,000), “S” mint mark, and the V.D.B. designer initials make it highly collectible.

Q2: Are all 1909 Lincoln pennies valuable?
A: No — only those with the “S” mint mark and “V.D.B.” initials are extremely rare.

Q3: How much is a circulated 1909-S VDB penny worth?
A: Even in worn condition, they can sell for $1,000 to $25,000 or more depending on grade.

Note: Thanks for visiting our website. We are not officials and whatever information we are giving is according to the expected dates. Information will be confirmed in upcoming updates. thank you.