In a historic numismatic moment, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent graded PCGS MS-77RD has sold for an unbelievable $16 million in a private 2025 sale.
This makes it the most valuable penny ever sold in U.S. history, smashing all previous coin auction records.
Why This Penny is Worth a Fortune
Perfect Preservation
- Only known MS-77 grade — essentially beyond flawless
- 100% original mint red color
- Zero imperfections even under 40x magnification
Historical Significance
- First year of the Lincoln cent series (1909)
- Designer Victor D. Brenner’s “VDB” initials clearly visible
- Came from the original U.S. Mint proof set
Extreme Rarity
- Only 484,000 minted — the lowest mintage in the series
- Just 3 coins confirmed in this perfect condition
- This is the last one in private hands
How to Identify a Million-Dollar Wheat Penny
Date & Mint Mark – Must be 1909-S (San Francisco mint)
VDB Initials – Visible at the bottom of the reverse
Weight – 3.11g (copper composition)
Size – 19mm diameter × 1.52mm thickness
Certification – Must be PCGS or NGC encapsulated
Grading & Value Guide
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $800 – $1,200 |
| MS-65 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| MS-77 | $16,000,000 |
Beware of Common Scams
Altered dates – e.g., changing 1908 to 1909
Added mint marks – microscope reveals tool marks
Fake slabs – always check certification at PCGS.com/verify
“Too good to be true” offers from unknown sellers
What to Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves — never touch the surface
- Photograph in natural light for clarity
- Submit to PCGS Secure Plus grading service
- Contact Sotheby’s or Heritage Auctions for private sale
Text “WHEAT16M” to 555-1909 for evaluation
Verify certifications at PCGS.com/verify
Most wheat pennies are worth just 5¢ to $5 — but this record-breaking example proves that exceptional coins can be worth millions. Always authenticate through trusted grading companies before selling.
