What Is This Coin?
The penny shown in the image is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent, one of the most sought-after coins by U.S. collectors. It was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and this particular version was struck at the San Francisco Mint with the designer’s initials V.D.B. (Victor David Brenner) prominently displayed on the reverse.
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Cent
- Mint: San Francisco (“S”)
- Initials: V.D.B. on reverse
- Mintage: Only 484,000 minted
- Back design: “ONE CENT / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with wheat ears
Why Is It Valuable?
With a low mintage and strong demand from collectors, the 1909-S VDB penny has become a legendary key date.
- Value in circulated condition: Around $1,000–$2,000
- Value in uncirculated/mint state: Can range from $4,000 to over $12,000+
- Record auction price: Over $100,000 for a pristine MS-67 Red example
What About the $40 Million?
The claim that this penny is worth $40 million is not supported by any verified sale or expert appraisal. The image likely comes from a YouTube thumbnail or viral video meant to attract attention with an exaggerated price.
In fact, the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold was the 1933 Double Eagle, which fetched $18.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. No penny — including the rarest varieties — has ever approached that price.
Should You Check Your Change?
Absolutely. While the $40 million figure is an exaggeration, the 1909-S VDB penny is a legitimate and extremely valuable collector coin. If you happen to find one, it could still fetch thousands of dollars depending on its condition.
🔍 How to Spot a Genuine 1909-S VDB:
- Look for the “S” mint mark below the date on the obverse.
- Flip the coin – the initials V.D.B. should be on the bottom reverse.
- Be cautious of counterfeits – many fakes exist with added S or VDB marks.
💡 Expert Tip:
If you think you’ve found one, have it professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC — certified coins sell for much more and are trusted in the market.
