Breaking News: In a historic numismatic moment, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent graded PCGS MS-77RD sold for an astonishing $16 million in a private 2025 sale.
This shatters all previous U.S. penny auction records, making it the most valuable penny in American history.
Why This Penny Is Worth a Fortune
Perfect Preservation
- Only known MS-77 grade — essentially flawless
- 100% original red color
- Zero imperfections even under 40× magnification
Historical Significance
- First year of the Lincoln cent series (1909)
- Designer Victor D. Brenner’s “VDB” initials clearly visible
- Came from an original U.S. Mint proof set
Extreme Rarity
- Only 484,000 minted — lowest mintage in the Lincoln cent series
- Just 3 coins confirmed in perfect condition
- This is the last one in private hands
How to Identify a Million-Dollar Wheat Penny
Date & Mint Mark: 1909-S (San Francisco mint)
VDB Initials: Visible at the bottom of the reverse
Weight: 3.11 g (copper composition)
Size: 19 mm diameter × 1.52 mm 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 — tool marks visible under magnification
Fake slabs — always verify 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
Pro Tip: Most wheat pennies are worth just 5¢–$5, but this record-breaking 1909-S VDB proves that exceptional coins can be worth millions. Always authenticate through trusted grading companies before selling.
