$1,000+ 1909-S VDB Penny
Not all pennies are created equal. Some are worth just one cent, while others can sell for $1,000 to $50,000+ at auction. 😱
One of the most famous is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent — a small coin with a huge history. Here’s why this penny is so valuable and how to tell if you have one.
🔎 Why Is the 1909-S VDB Penny So Valuable?
This coin isn’t just rare because it’s old. Its value comes from a tiny detail that most people overlook:
✔ “S” Mint Mark – Minted in San Francisco (look for the small S just below the date on the front).
✔ V.D.B. Initials – On the reverse bottom, you’ll spot V.D.B. (for designer Victor David Brenner).
✔ Low Mintage – Only 484,000 were ever made — making it one of the scarcest Lincoln cents in history.
💰 How Much Is a 1909-S VDB Penny Worth?
Even a worn example of this penny is worth serious money. Here’s a quick value guide:
| Grade | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $700 – $900 |
| Fine (F-12) | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $3,500 – $5,000+ |
🔥 Some pristine, high-grade examples have sold for over $50,000 at major auctions!
🧐 How to Identify a 1909-S VDB Penny
Here’s a quick step-by-step checklist:
1️⃣ Check the Date → Must read 1909
2️⃣ Look for the “S” Mint Mark → Below the date on the obverse (front)
3️⃣ Flip the Coin → On the reverse bottom center, check for V.D.B. initials
⚠️ Beware of Fakes & Altered Coins
Because of its high value, the 1909-S VDB is one of the most counterfeited U.S. coins. Watch out for:
🚫 Pennies with a fake “S” mint mark added later
🚫 Coins with engraved or altered V.D.B. initials
🚫 “Cleaned” coins (harshly polished coins lose collector value)
👉 Pro Tip: Always have rare coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling or buying.
🌟 Why Collectors Love the 1909-S VDB
🏆 First year of the Lincoln Cent design
🔥 Considered a “Key Date” for Lincoln penny collections
📈 Long-term value growth makes it a collector favorite
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