The world of coin collecting is full of hidden treasures, but few are as iconic—or as valuable—as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat penny. This coin isn’t just rare; it’s legendary. And if you ever stumble across one, you might be holding something worth thousands of dollars… or more.
Let’s look into what makes this tiny copper coin so special, how to spot a fake, and why collectors are willing to pay eye-watering prices for it.
History
The 1909-S VDB was the very first Lincoln cent ever issued, and it marked a huge change in American coin design. The “S” on the coin means it was minted in San Francisco. The “VDB” stands for Victor David Brenner, the man who designed the penny.
Now here’s where things get interesting: only 484,000 of these coins were minted with both the “S” mint mark and Brenner’s full initials. That may sound like a big number, but in coin-collecting terms, it’s tiny.
Compare that to other pennies that had mintages in the hundreds of millions, and you’ll start to see why this coin is a rare gem.
Fakes
Because the 1909-S VDB is so valuable, it’s also one of the most counterfeited coins out there. Some fakes are really convincing, especially to someone who’s not an expert.
So what should you look for?
- The “S” mint mark should be sharply defined and properly placed under the date.
- The “VDB” initials should appear clearly on the reverse side, at the bottom center between the wheat stalks.
- Check for tooling marks or weird spacing in the letters—common signs of a fake.
Still not sure? Your best bet is to get the coin graded and authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Value
This is where things really get exciting.
Even a worn 1909-S VDB penny in good condition can fetch $700 to $1,500. If the coin is in uncirculated or mint state condition, prices skyrocket.
Here’s a rough idea of value based on condition:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | $700 – $1,200 |
| Fine (F12) | $1,300 – $1,800 |
| Extra Fine (XF) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Uncirculated (MS) | $4,000 – $10,000+ |
| MS67 Red (Top) | $150,000 – $170,000 |
In fact, in April 2022, one of the finest known examples—a 1909-S VDB graded MS67RD—sold at auction for a mind-blowing $168,000.
That’s not just pocket change. That’s house-down-payment money.
Legacy
This little copper coin is more than a collector’s item—it’s a piece of American history. As the first Lincoln cent, and with such limited production, the 1909-S VDB stands in a class of its own.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, treat it like treasure. And definitely don’t spend it by mistake.
You could be holding the most valuable penny of your life.
FAQs
What does VDB stand for?
VDB are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer.
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so rare?
Only 484,000 were minted with both the S mint mark and VDB initials.
How can I tell if my 1909-S VDB penny is real?
Check mint mark placement and get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
What is the highest price ever paid for one?
A 1909-S VDB graded MS67RD sold for $168,000 in April 2022.
Where is the VDB located on the coin?
On the reverse side, at the bottom center between the wheat stalks.
