Breaking News!
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.
#WheatPenny #1909SVDB #RareCoins #CoinCollecting #NumismaticTreasure
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