The 1909 Lincoln penny isn’t just another old coin—it’s a piece of American history. It marked the first time a real person appeared on a U.S. coin, and that person was none other than President Abraham Lincoln.
But among all the 1909 pennies, one version stands out: the 1909-S VDB penny. This small copper coin is rare, valuable, and could be hiding in someone’s collection right now—worth lakhs if it’s in good shape.
Special
What makes the 1909-S VDB penny so rare? It all comes down to the initials V.D.B.—for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer. These initials were printed prominently on the back of the coin, but public backlash led the U.S. Mint to remove them shortly after the coin’s release.
Before that change, a limited number of these coins were minted in San Francisco. Those coins featured both the S mint mark and the V.D.B. initials, creating the now-famous 1909-S VDB penny. Only 484,000 of these were ever made, and far fewer exist today in good condition.
Features
Think you might have a 1909-S VDB penny? Here’s how to check:
- Date: Must be 1909
- Mint Mark: Look for a small “S” just below the date on the front
- Initials: Flip the coin—V.D.B. should be at the bottom center on the back, between the wheat stalks
- Color: Pennies age differently based on how they’re stored. Coin collectors use three main color grades:
- Red (RD): Original shine, best condition
- Red-Brown (RB): Some fading
- Brown (BN): Full patina, more worn
The better the color and condition, the more it’s worth.
Value
Here’s a quick table showing the estimated value of a genuine 1909-S VDB penny based on condition and color:
| Condition | Red (RD) | Red-Brown (RB) | Brown (BN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | – | – | ₹75,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | – | – | ₹1,20,000+ |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | – | ₹2,00,000+ | ₹1,75,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-63) | ₹8,00,000+ | ₹5,00,000+ | ₹3,50,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | ₹15,00,000+ | ₹10,00,000+ | ₹7,00,000+ |
Note: Prices vary based on market demand and grading certification.
Advice
If you find a 1909 penny, don’t celebrate just yet. There are similar coins that aren’t nearly as valuable:
- 1909 VDB (no S): Has initials, but no S mint mark—common
- 1909-S (no VDB): Has the S mint mark, but not the initials—still rare, but not the jackpot
Your best bet? Leave the coin alone. Don’t clean or polish it—this lowers the value. Instead, send it to a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll certify if it’s the real deal and give it an official grade that helps you sell it later (if you want to).
Treasure
Owning a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is like holding a piece of American history. With fewer than half a million ever made and many lost to time, it’s a serious treasure for coin collectors. If you’re lucky enough to own one—or think you might—have it verified professionally. That little copper coin could be worth far more than you think.
FAQs
How many 1909-S VDB pennies exist?
Only 484,000 were minted in total.
What do V.D.B. initials mean?
They stand for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer.
Is a 1909 VDB without ‘S’ rare?
No, it’s more common and less valuable.
Can I clean my old penny?
No, cleaning reduces its value.
Where to verify coin authenticity?
Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading.
