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If you’re holding a seemingly ordinary Lincoln Wheat penny, you might actually possess a rare coin worth $530,000.
Known among collectors as the 1909‑S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny, this exceptional coin is one of the most valuable in numismatic circles and can still appear in pocket change.
What Makes It So Valuable?
Historical and minting rarity
- The 1909‑S VDB penny was minted in San Francisco with the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse. These initials were controversial and quickly removed just days after release.
- Only 484,000 were struck, making it extremely rare compared to the Philadelphia version (millions minted).
Auction record value
- A top‑grade specimen sold in 2019 for $530,000, setting a benchmark for this variety.
- Other top Lincoln Wheat pennies—like the 1943 bronze cent or 1955 double die—have reached values from hundreds of thousands to over $840,000 in other error categories.
Key Comparison
| Penny Variety | Year & Mint | Notable Feature | Known Mintage / Estimated Surviving | Record Auction Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909‑S VDB | 1909 (San Francisco) | Large “VDB” initials | Only 484,000 struck | $530,000 (2019 sale) |
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny (Denver) | 1943‑D | Copper planchet error during steel era | ~30 known examples | Up to $840,000 (2021) |
| 1943‑S Bronze Wheat Penny | 1943‑S | Bronze error at San Francisco mint | Very few known (~6) | Around $504,000 (2020) |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 (Philadelphia) | Doubling in date/lettering | ~20,000–24,000 circulated | Tens of thousands USD |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | 1944‑S | Steel planchet error post‑war | Fewer than 30 known | $373,750 (2008) |
How to Identify the 1909‑S VDB Penny
- Check the date and mintmark: Look for “1909” with an “S” mintmark beneath the date.
- Look for the bold “VDB” initials on the reverse rim.
- Check condition: High‑grade uncirculated examples (MS65 or higher) push values exponentially.
- Certification matters: Always seek coins verified by major grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Other Extremely Valuable Lincoln Wheat Varieties
- 1943 Copper Wheat Penny: Struck by mistake in copper in 1943 when mint intended zinc‑coated steel; only ~30 survive. A Denver mint example fetched $840,000 in 2021.
- 1943‑S Bronze Wheat Penny from San Francisco: An estimated half‑dozen exist; one sold for $504,000 in 2020.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: Characterized by doubled date and motto text; fewer than 25,000 circulated. Well‑preserved ones regularly fetch tens of thousands.
A rare Lincoln Wheat penny—especially a 1909‑S VDB specimen in high grade—could truly be worth $530,000 or more.
Other Wheat penny errors like the 1943 copper cent and the 1955 double die also command staggering sums.
If you happen upon an uncirculated penny with these exact identifiers, it’s well worth a professional evaluation.
What might seem like a simple one‑cent coin could be one of the most valuable coins in American history.
FAQs
What exactly is the “1909‑S VDB” penny and why is it so rare?
It’s a 1909 Lincoln Wheat penny minted in San Francisco bearing the designer Brenner’s initials VDB on the reverse. Only 484,000 were produced before removal of the initials, making it highly scarce and collectible.
Could a $530,000 coin still be in circulation today?
Yes. Although production was limited a century ago, some specimens may still exist in circulation. If you find an uncirculated or near‑mint 1909‑S VDB penny, it could be worth thousands—even hundreds of thousands.
What steps should someone take if they think they have one?
Compare to authenticated images, check for the mintmark and “VDB” feature, and have it graded and authenticated by certified experts like PCGS or NGC before attempting to sell.