1909 VDB Lincoln Penny Value: The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most iconic coins in American history. Not only was it the first U.S. penny to feature an actual person—Abraham Lincoln—but it also became highly sought after due to a controversy surrounding its design. Today, certain versions of this rare penny have fetched prices as high as $250,000 at auctions, making it a prized possession for collectors.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history, key features, and factors that determine the value of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just curious about old coins, this guide will help you understand why this penny remains so valuable.
Quick Overview of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
| Feature | Details |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
| Obverse Design | Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln |
| Reverse Design | Two wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT” |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) or “S” (San Francisco) |
| Mintage | 27,995,000 (Philadelphia), 484,000 (San Francisco) |
| Material | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Highest Recorded Sale | $250,000+ for rare versions |
The Story Behind the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
The creation of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny traces back to President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted to modernize U.S. coinage to make it more artistic and meaningful. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, Roosevelt commissioned Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor, to design the new penny.
Brenner’s design featured Lincoln’s portrait on the front, making it the first U.S. coin to depict a real person. The reverse side included two wheat stalks surrounding “ONE CENT,” which is why the coin is also called the Wheat Penny.
However, controversy erupted when collectors and officials noticed that Brenner’s initials—VDB—were prominently displayed on the reverse. Some critics accused Brenner of self-promotion, which led the U.S. Mint to quickly remove the initials. This resulted in a limited number of 1909 pennies with “VDB,” making them exceptionally rare and valuable today.
Key Features of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
1. Obverse (Front) Design
- Features a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
- Includes the inscriptions “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the year 1909.
2. Reverse (Back) Design
- Displays two wheat stalks framing the denomination “ONE CENT”.
- Inscribed with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
3. Mint Marks and Variants
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark): 27,995,000 coins minted.
- San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark): Only 484,000 were produced, making the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny one of the rarest and most valuable small-denomination coins ever.
What Determines the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny Value?
Several factors influence the value of a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny, including its condition, color, rarity, and errors.
1. Condition and Grading
Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect Mint State). The higher the grade, the higher the value.
- Mint State (MS60+): These are the most valuable, often selling for thousands of dollars.
- Extremely Fine (EF40-EF45): Still valuable but may show slight wear.
- Good to Fine (G4-F12): These are worth less but still sought after by collectors.
2. Color Classification
The penny’s color also impacts its value:
- Red (RD): Coins that retain 95% of their original copper color. The most valuable.
- Red-Brown (RB): A mix of red and brown.
- Brown (BN): Shows less than 5% red, typically worth less.
3. Rarity of the Mint Mark
- The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (San Francisco Mint) is far rarer than the Philadelphia version, making it much more valuable.
- Even a worn 1909-S VDB penny can be worth thousands of dollars.
4. Errors and Unique Variants
Some 1909 VDB Lincoln Pennies have errors that increase their value:
- Double-Die Obverse: The date and letters appear doubled, making the coin a rare find.
- Repunched Mint Mark: Some 1909-S VDB coins show a repunched “S” mint mark, increasing their worth.
Record-Breaking Sales of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny has consistently broken records in the numismatic world. Some of the most notable sales include:
- A 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (Red) sold for $168,000 in 2022.
- A proof version of the 1909 VDB Penny fetched $258,500 in 2014.
- A double-die error 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny sold for $24,150 in 2012.
If you happen to own an old Lincoln penny, it’s worth checking if it could be a 1909 VDB edition—you might have a hidden treasure!
Why the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is So Popular Among Collectors
The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny holds a special place in the world of coin collecting for several reasons:
- Historic Significance – It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
- Limited Availability – The VDB initials were removed quickly, making the 1909 edition rare.
- High Market Value – Some have sold for over $250,000.
- Great Investment – The value of rare coins generally appreciates over time.
If you’re starting a coin collection, the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is a must-have piece of history!
FAQs
1. Why is the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny so valuable?
Its short production run and removal of the VDB initials make it rare. Additionally, the 1909-S VDB version is exceptionally scarce, further driving up value.
2. How can I tell if I have a 1909-S VDB Penny?
Look for a small “S” mint mark below the date on the front of the coin. If it’s there, you could have a very valuable coin.
3. What’s the most expensive 1909 VDB Penny ever sold?
A proof version of the coin sold for $258,500 in 2014.
4. Can I still find a 1909 VDB Penny in circulation?
It’s highly unlikely, but checking old collections, estate sales, or coin dealers might lead you to one.
5. Should I clean my 1909 VDB Penny?
No! Cleaning a coin can decrease its value significantly. Always keep it in its original condition.
Final Thoughts
The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is not just a coin—it’s a piece of American history. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just curious about rare coins, this penny is one of the most exciting and valuable finds out there.
Have you ever come across a 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny? Let us know in the comments below! 😊
