Loose change could be worth a small fortune — literally.
A rare 1909 wheat penny, originally worth just one cent, has been making headlines after a nearly mint-condition version was valued at an astounding $6.85 million by coin experts. Surprisingly, some versions of this elusive coin are still being discovered in everyday coin jars, cash registers, and even under couch cushions.
So, what makes this penny so special? And why should you start digging through your spare change?
What’s the Big Deal About the 1909 Wheat Penny?
The 1909 wheat penny is the first-ever Lincoln cent issued by the U.S. Mint. It replaced the Indian Head cent and introduced President Abraham Lincoln to American currency, celebrating his 100th birthday. It was also the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
But what makes the 1909 wheat penny truly valuable isn’t just its historical significance — it’s the small initials “V.D.B.” engraved on the reverse side.
What Does V.D.B. Stand For?
The initials belong to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the coin. However, after some public backlash over his initials appearing so prominently, the Mint quickly removed them from future versions. That makes the 1909-S VDB penny (minted in San Francisco with the V.D.B. initials) extremely rare.
Only 484,000 coins with that exact combo were made — and fewer than 50 are believed to be in near-perfect condition today.
Why Is It Worth $6.85 Million?
Recently, a near-pristine 1909-S VDB penny was purchased at auction for $6,850,000, breaking previous records for Lincoln cents. The coin was graded MS68 (Mint State 68), making it one of the finest examples known to exist.
This sale has reignited interest in vintage pennies — and sparked a rush of amateur treasure hunters checking their old piggy banks.
Still Showing Up in Loose Change?
Believe it or not, not all rare pennies are locked away in museums or private collections. Some versions of the 1909 wheat penny, especially the Philadelphia-minted versions without the “S”, are still found in circulation.
While they may not fetch millions, even well-worn 1909 wheat pennies can be worth $10 to $200, depending on their condition. A sharp-eyed collector could stumble upon one during routine transactions.
How to Know If You Have One?
Want to check if your penny is valuable? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: It must say 1909 on the front.
- Mint Mark: Look for a small “S” under the date — that’s the rare San Francisco version.
- V.D.B. Initials: Flip the coin. At the bottom of the reverse side (between the wheat stalks), you should see V.D.B. If it has both the “S” and the initials, you may be holding a small fortune.
Final Thoughts
The 1909 wheat penny proves that sometimes, real treasure lies in the most unexpected places — like your change jar. With the recent multi-million-dollar sale turning heads, coin collectors and curious hobbyists are now more motivated than ever to go penny-hunting.
So, before you toss your next handful of change into a tip jar or vending machine, take a closer look. That ordinary copper coin could be worth a life-changing amount.
FAQs:
Q1. Why is the 1909 wheat penny so valuable?
A1. The 1909-S VDB wheat penny is rare due to limited mintage and the early removal of the designer’s initials, making it a top collector’s item.
Q2. How can I tell if I have a 1909-S VDB penny?
A2. Look for the 1909 date, an “S” mint mark under the year, and “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse bottom between the wheat stalks.
Q3. Are 1909 wheat pennies still found in circulation?
A3. Yes, although rare, lower-grade versions of the 1909 wheat penny are occasionally found in loose change or old coin collections.
