The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is the “King of Lincoln Cents.” Designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, it features Brenner’s initials (V.D.B.) prominently on the bottom of the reverse side. Public outcry over the prominence of these initials led the U.S. Mint to stop production just days after release, resulting in a tiny mintage of only 484,000 coins at the San Francisco Mint.
[Value]
The value of a 1909-S VDB is highly dependent on its condition and “color” (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown):
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Good (G4) to Fine (F12): $800 to $1,100+
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Extremely Fine (EF40): $1,300 to $1,600+
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Uncirculated (MS60+): $2,250 to $13,500+
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Auction Record: A specimen graded MS67 Red sold for approximately $175,000.
[Call to Action]
Check your old coin jars! While the 1909-S VDB is rare, it was intended for circulation. Save this post to ensure you know how to distinguish a genuine key date from a common $10 version. If you find one, do not clean it—cleaning can destroy 90% of its market value instantly!
💡 Collector Tips
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Look for the “S”: The mint mark must be located directly under the “1909” date.
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Verify the V.D.B.: The initials must be on the reverse, at the very bottom between the wheat stalks.
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Avoid “Raw” Coins: Because this coin is so frequently faked, serious collectors should only buy examples already certified by PCGS or NGC.
📈 Market Value & Top Auction Houses
The market for this coin remains incredibly stable because every Lincoln Penny collector needs one to complete their set. If you are looking to buy or sell, these are the top venues:
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Heritage Auctions: The world’s largest numismatic auctioneer.
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Stack’s Bowers Galleries: America’s oldest rare coin dealer, known for record-breaking sales.
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GreatCollections: A popular online-only auction platform for certified coins.
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Goldberg Coins & Collectibles: Experts in high-end world-class collections.
4. 5-Step Authentication Protocol (Must Read!)
Counterfeiters often add an “S” to a common 1909 VDB or add “VDB” to a 1909-S. Use this protocol to verify authenticity:
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Examine Mint Mark Position: There are only four known authentic positions for the “S” on a 1909-S VDB. For example, in Position #1, the top of the “S” is higher than the bottom of the “9” digits.
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The “V.D.B.” Slant: On genuine coins, the center crossbar of the “B” in V.D.B. is slightly slanted, not perfectly horizontal.
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Check for “Added” Letters: Use a 10x or 20x loupe to look for a “seam” around the “S.” Authentic mint marks were struck into the coin, not glued on top.
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The “N” in UNITED: On the reverse, the “N” in the word “UNITED” should have a specific “shallow” appearance on genuine San Francisco dies.
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Weight Verification: A genuine copper 1909 penny must weigh approximately 3.11 grams. If it is significantly lighter, it is likely a modern replica or a plated fake.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The 1909-S VDB is more than just a penny; it is a piece of American history that marks the beginning of the Lincoln Cent era. While its value can reach six figures in pristine condition, even a well-worn example is a “trophy” for any collector. Always prioritize certified (slabbed) coins to protect your investment.
Would you like me to help you identify the specific “S” mint mark position on a coin you’ve found?
