In the world of coin collecting, some coins stand out not because of a mistake—but because of a story. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of those coins. It’s a small penny with a big history, and collectors will pay over $100,000 for one in perfect condition.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this coin so valuable—and how you can spot one.
A New Penny for a New President
In 1909, the United States Mint released a brand-new penny design. For the first time, a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—was featured on a U.S. coin. This was done to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
The new design was created by Victor David Brenner, a famous sculptor. He included his initials—V.D.B.—on the back (reverse) of the penny, at the bottom between the wheat stalks.
But not everyone was happy with that.
Why the “VDB” Initials Caused a Big Problem
Soon after the penny was released, some people complained that the “V.D.B.” initials were too big and too bold. They thought it made the coin look like an advertisement for the artist.
So, the U.S. Mint quickly decided to remove the initials. But by the time this happened, a small number of pennies with “V.D.B.” had already been made at the San Francisco Mint—those coins became known as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents.
What Makes the 1909-S VDB Penny So Rare?
There are two main reasons this coin is valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 484,000 of these coins were made, a very small number compared to millions of other pennies.
- Short Production Time: The VDB initials were removed very early, which means even fewer made it into circulation.
And because people started collecting them right away, finding one in great condition is even harder today.
How to Spot a Real 1909-S VDB Penny
If you want to know whether you’ve found a 1909-S VDB penny, look at two important areas of the coin:
Front of the Coin (Obverse):
- Look under the date “1909”. If there’s a small “S” mint mark, it means the coin was made in San Francisco.
Back of the Coin (Reverse):
- Look at the bottom center, between the wheat stalks. If you see “V.D.B.” in small letters, that’s the key detail.
But be careful—fakes exist, and some people add an “S” or “V.D.B.” to common 1909 pennies. That’s why authentication is important.
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of a 1909-S VDB penny depends on its condition (also called its “grade”). Here’s a simple table to help you understand how much it could sell for:
| Condition | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Worn (but real) | VG-8 | $700–$1,000 |
| Light wear | VF-20 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Almost uncirculated | AU-50 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Mint State (Uncirculated) | MS63 Red | $8,000–$12,000 |
| High Grade | MS67 Red | Up to $117,500 |
A penny worth $0.01 selling for over $100,000? That’s the power of rarity, history, and condition combined.
Where to Find One (If You’re Lucky)
Most 1909-S VDB pennies are already in collections. But they can still show up in:
- Old coin albums
- Inherited coin jars
- Estate sales or auctions
- Coin shops and shows
Even though the chances are slim, checking your old coins is still worth it. You never know what could be hiding in plain sight.
The Legacy of the 1909-S VDB Penny
This penny isn’t famous because of an error—it’s famous because of a decision. Removing the artist’s initials created one of the most collectible coins in U.S. history.
In fact, many young collectors today start their coin collections hoping to one day own this penny. It’s often called the “Holy Grail” of Lincoln cents.
Conclusion
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is more than just a small piece of copper. It’s a coin with a story, a controversy, and a huge price tag. With only 484,000 made—and far fewer surviving in great shape—it remains one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history.
If you’re into coin collecting or just like history, this is one coin to dream about. Who knows? Maybe one is hiding in an old box, waiting to be discovered.
FAQ’s
Q: What does “S” mean on the 1909-S VDB penny?
A: The “S” mint mark means the coin was made in San Francisco.
Q: Why were the “V.D.B.” initials removed?
A: Some people thought the initials were too large and distracting, so the U.S. Mint removed them shortly after release.
Q: Can I still find a 1909-S VDB penny in circulation?
A: It’s very rare, but not impossible. Most are already in collections.
