A simple piggy bank that had been collecting dust for decades just changed someone’s life — all thanks to a tiny copper coin bearing the face of Abraham Lincoln.
In a discovery that has stunned coin collectors and historians alike, a rare Lincoln penny worth a staggering $7.2 million was recently found inside an old ceramic piggy bank in a Pennsylvania attic. The penny — believed to be one of the rarest of its kind — is now making headlines as one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
An Unexpected Jackpot
The coin was discovered by Allison Greene, a schoolteacher who was helping clean out her grandparents’ estate. As she sorted through old childhood toys and knick-knacks, she found a dusty piggy bank filled with coins — mostly nickels and pennies. One penny, however, caught her attention.
“It looked older, darker… heavier,” she said. “I almost threw it in with the rest, but something told me to look it up.”
That decision led to a jaw-dropping appraisal: a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, one of the most coveted coins in American history.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
While millions of Lincoln pennies have been minted over the years, this one stands out for several reasons:
- First Year of the Lincoln Penny: 1909 marked the first year Abraham Lincoln appeared on a U.S. coin.
- Rare Mint Mark: It was minted in San Francisco, denoted by a tiny “S” under the date.
- Designer Initials: It bears the controversial initials “V.D.B.” (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse — initials that were quickly removed in later issues due to public backlash.
- Extremely Low Mintage: Only 484,000 of these specific coins were ever made.
Combine rarity, historical significance, and condition — and you get a penny worth more than most luxury homes.
A Coin Collector’s Dream Come True
After having the coin professionally graded and authenticated, Greene was told her childhood piggy bank find was in near-mint condition, a virtually unheard-of state for a 1909-S VDB penny.
Just two months later, it was auctioned for $7.2 million to a private collector in Switzerland, making it one of the top 3 most valuable U.S. coins ever sold.
Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy Lives On — In Your Pocket?
Abraham Lincoln’s image has long symbolized American values — honesty, resilience, and leadership. Now, his face may also represent unexpected fortune.
Experts estimate that dozens of rare Lincoln cents could still be hiding in homes across the U.S., often overlooked in jars, drawers, or yes — even piggy banks.
Coin dealer Marcus Lyle says, “Every year, we see more hidden treasures turn up. The next $7 million penny could be sitting in someone’s kitchen cabinet.”
Could You Have One?
Here’s what to look for if you want to check your pennies:
- Date: 1909
- Mint Mark: Look for an “S” under the year
- Initials: “V.D.B.” at the bottom center of the reverse
- Condition: Coins with little wear are more valuable
Even a worn 1909-S VDB penny can sell for $1,000 to $25,000. But a high-grade one? That’s life-changing.
Final Thought: The Power of Pennies
It’s a classic story of hidden value — a humble penny, a childhood memory, and a quiet attic turned into a fortune. And it all started with Abraham Lincoln’s face on a coin.
So next time you walk past a penny on the sidewalk, or dismiss an old coin jar as clutter, think again. That one-cent piece could be worth millions — and could carry a piece of American history in your palm.
FAQ
Q1: Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so valuable?
A: It’s rare, historically significant, and was only minted in limited numbers with the original designer’s initials.
Q2: Can I find valuable coins in circulation today?
A: Yes — though rare, high-value coins still turn up in old collections, piggy banks, and even change jars.
Q3: Where can I get my coins appraised?
A: Visit a certified coin dealer or submit your coins to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
