The 1909 Lincoln penny marks a huge moment in U.S. coin history. It was the first time a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—appeared on American currency. Released to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, this coin was more than just small change.
And among the versions minted that year, one stands above the rest: the 1909-S VDB penny. It’s rare, valuable, and a dream find for coin collectors.
Let’s look into why this tiny coin is such a big deal, how to identify a genuine one, and what it might be worth today.
Special
So, what makes the 1909-S VDB penny so special?
The coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, placed his initials “V.D.B.” prominently on the back of the coin. Some critics didn’t like how noticeable the initials were, so the U.S. Mint quickly removed them.
But before they did that, a small number of coins were made at the San Francisco Mint with both the “S” mint mark and the “V.D.B.” initials. Only 484,000 were ever produced—an incredibly small number compared to other coins.
That makes the 1909-S VDB one of the most desirable Lincoln cents ever made.
Identify
Worried about spotting a fake or just want to know if your old penny might be the real deal? Here’s how to identify an authentic 1909-S VDB penny:
- Date: It must clearly say 1909.
- Mint Mark: There should be a small “S” right below the year.
- Initials: Flip the coin over and look at the bottom center between the wheat stalks. That’s where the “V.D.B.” should be.
- Color & Condition: Coins come in Red, Red-Brown, or Brown depending on how they’ve aged. This affects value too.
Even a slight variation or misplaced mint mark can mean the difference between a fortune and a fake.
Value
The value of a 1909-S VDB penny depends on both condition and color. Here’s a rough guide:
| Grade | Color | Estimated Value (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Brown | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | Brown | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | Brown/Red-Brown | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS) | Red-Brown | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
| Mint State (MS67RD) | Red | ₹1,40,00,000+ |
As you can see, even coins in average shape are worth serious money. A top-condition coin? That’s the jackpot.
Advice
Before you get too excited about a 1909 penny you find in an old drawer, remember: only the 1909-S VDB is the rare and valuable one.
Don’t confuse it with:
- 1909 VDB (no S): Still collectible but common
- 1909-S (no VDB): Rare, but not as valuable
And here’s an important tip: never clean your coins. It can destroy their value instantly. Instead, if you believe you have a 1909-S VDB, get it checked by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
They can verify its authenticity, assign a grade, and give you a reliable market value.
The 1909-S VDB penny is a true piece of history. Owning one isn’t just about money—it’s about holding something rare, meaningful, and deeply connected to American culture.
So dig through your old coin jars and family heirlooms. That tiny penny might be worth more than you think.
FAQs
How many 1909-S VDB coins exist?
Only 484,000 were minted, making it very rare.
Where is the V.D.B. located?
On the reverse, at the bottom between the wheat stalks.
What is the mint mark on the rare version?
It has an ‘S’ below the 1909 date, for San Francisco.
Can I clean my coin to make it look better?
No. Cleaning can lower its value significantly.
Who should verify the coin’s value?
Use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
