The 1909 Lincoln penny holds a special place in coin collecting history. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—and was released to celebrate his 100th birthday. But not all 1909 pennies are the same. One version, known as the 1909-S VDB penny, is extremely rare and valuable. With only 484,000 coins ever made, this coin can be worth lakhs of rupees today if you find one in good condition.
What Makes the 1909-S VDB Penny So Special?
The design of the penny was made by Victor David Brenner, and his initials “V.D.B.” were placed on the back of the coin. However, many people at the time felt the initials were too prominent, so the U.S. Mint quickly removed them.
Before that happened, a small batch was made at the San Francisco Mint, marked with an “S” under the date. Because both the “S” mint mark and the “V.D.B.” initials appeared together only on this batch, the 1909-S VDB became one of the most sought-after U.S. coins in history.
How to Identify a Real 1909-S VDB Penny
To make sure you’re looking at the real deal, check these key features:
Date: The coin must be from 1909
Mint Mark: There should be a clear “S” below the date, showing it was made in San Francisco
Initials: Look at the reverse (back) side of the coin. The initials “V.D.B.” should be at the bottom, centered between the wheat stalks
Color & Condition: Old coins change color over time. They can be Red, Red-Brown, or Brown, depending on how well they were preserved.
How Much is a 1909-S VDB Penny Worth?
The value of the coin depends on its condition and color:
Practical Advice for Collectors
If you come across a 1909 penny, don’t get too excited unless it has both the “S” mint mark and “V.D.B.” initials.
Don’t confuse it with these similar coins:
- 1909 VDB (no S): Common and easier to find
- 1909-S (no VDB): Rare, but not as valuable as the “S VDB” version
- If you believe you have a 1909-S VDB, don’t clean or polish it. Instead, get it checked by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can confirm its authenticity and help you know its true value.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is a true collector’s treasure. With only a few hundred thousand ever made, and even fewer surviving in good condition, owning one is like holding a piece of American history. Check your old coin collections carefully—this small copper coin could be worth lakhs. Always confirm with experts before selling or displaying it, and remember: the smallest details make the biggest difference.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
It’s rare because only 484,000 were minted with both the ‘S’ mint mark and ‘V.D.B.’ initials before the design was changed.
Where are the V.D.B. initials located on the 1909 penny?
They are on the reverse side of the coin, centered at the bottom between the two wheat stalks.
How can I know if my 1909 penny is valuable?
Check if it has an ‘S’ under the date and ‘V.D.B.’ on the back. Also, check its color and condition. A professional grader can help confirm.
What is the value of a 1909-S VDB penny in India?
Depending on condition, it could be worth ₹2.5 lakh to ₹83 lakh or more, based on recent U.S. auction prices.
Can I clean my old penny to make it look better?
No. Cleaning old coins reduces their value. Leave it as it is and get it graded by PCGS or NGC.
