Among all Lincoln Wheat cents, few coins carry as much history, value, and mystery as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. It’s the coin that launched the Lincoln cent series, and with an extremely limited mintage, it has become one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics.
If you ever come across one, you could be holding a small piece of history that’s worth thousands — or more.
Why Is the 1909-S VDB Penny So Valuable?
Let’s break down the name first. The “1909” marks the first year Lincoln cents were minted. The “S” means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. And the “VDB” are the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner.
These initials appear prominently at the bottom of the reverse side, which caused some controversy at the time. After just a short run, the U.S. Mint removed them, making the original version incredibly rare.
Only about 484,000 of these pennies were ever released with both the “S” mintmark and “VDB” initials. In the world of coin production, that’s an exceptionally small number. For comparison, modern pennies are minted in the billions.
This rarity, combined with the fact that it marks the debut of one of the most iconic American coin designs, makes the 1909-S VDB a must-have for serious collectors.
Watch Out for Fakes
Because of its fame and value, the 1909-S VDB is one of the most frequently counterfeited U.S. coins. Scammers often add a fake “S” to a regular 1909 VDB or etch the “VDB” onto a 1909-S penny. These altered coins may look convincing at first glance, but they don’t hold real value.
That’s why if you ever come across a 1909-S VDB penny — whether in an old coin jar, family inheritance, or flea market find — you should never take it at face value.
Get it professionally graded and authenticated through a reputable service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
These services examine details like the exact placement of the mintmark, font shape, and metal composition to confirm if the coin is genuine.
What’s It Worth?
The value of a 1909-S VDB penny depends heavily on its condition, color (red, brown, or red-brown), and whether it has been professionally graded. Even in heavily circulated condition, it can be worth several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
But for coins in higher grades, the numbers skyrocket. In 2022, a 1909-S VDB graded MS67RD (Mint State, red color, nearly perfect condition) sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $168,000. That’s more than most brand-new cars — and some houses.
Here’s a quick value range overview:
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good–Fine) | $700 – $1,500 |
| Extremely Fine | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS60–MS65) | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Top Grade (MS66+ RD) | $50,000 – $170,000+ |
How to Spot One
If you think you might have one, turn the coin over and look at the bottom of the reverse. You should see “V.D.B.” between the wheat stalks. Then flip it back to the obverse (front) and check just below the date — if there’s a small “S” mintmark under “1909,” you may have something special.
But again, this coin is so heavily faked that authentication is essential. Even slight differences in the shape of the “S” or spacing of the initials can give away a counterfeit.
Significant
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent isn’t just another old penny — it’s a legend in the world of coin collecting. With fewer than half a million ever made, and countless fakes floating around, finding a genuine one is like striking gold. Its value has only increased over time, especially in top condition.
So, if you ever stumble across a 1909 penny with a little “S” and the famous “VDB” initials, don’t ignore it. You might be looking at a tiny copper coin worth tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
What does ‘VDB’ stand for on the penny?
It stands for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer.
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so rare?
Only 484,000 were minted before the initials were removed.
How can I tell if my 1909-S VDB is real?
Get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC to confirm it’s genuine.
How much is a 1909-S VDB penny worth?
Anywhere from $700 to over $160,000 based on condition.
Where is the VDB located on the coin?
It’s on the back, at the bottom between the wheat stalks.
