BREAKING: This ultra-rare proof penny has sold for up to $25,000—and could be hiding in your collection!
At PennyVerse, we’re revealing exactly how to identify this legendary coin and why collectors will pay a fortune for it.
🔥 America’s Most Valuable Lincoln Cent?
The 1909-S VDB Proof combines three legendary rarities:
✔ First year of Lincoln cents (1909)
✔ San Francisco mintmark (“S”)
✔ Controversial designer initials (V.D.B.)
Only 50 proof specimens survive—making them 100x rarer than business strikes!
💵 Current Market Values (2024)
| Grade | Value Range | Known Survivors |
|---|---|---|
| PR67RD | $15,000-$25,000 | <5 |
| PR65RB | $6,000-$10,000 | 10-15 |
| PR63BN | $2,500-$4,000 | 20-30 |
Recent Record Sale:
🤑 $24,675 (PCGS PR67RD, 2023)
🔍 How to Spot This $25,000 Penny
1. Proof Characteristics
✅ Mirror-like fields with frosted details
✅ Razor-sharp wheat ears & portrait
✅ “S” mintmark below date
✅ “V.D.B.” initials at bottom of reverse
2. Key Authentication Tests
✔ Weight: 3.11 grams (must be exact)
✔ Edge: Plain (no reeds)
✔ Finish: Matte OR brilliant proof surfaces
⚠️ Warning: Many fakes are altered business strikes!
📈 Why Prices Keep Soaring
✔ Historical significance (first Lincoln cent)
✔ Extreme rarity (<50 proofs survive)
✔ Registry set demand from top collectors
✔ Prices up 300%+ since 2000
🎯 Where to Find These Rare Proofs
- Old proof sets (if intact after 115 years!)
- Estate collections (grandparents’ coin holdings)
- Specialty auctions (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers)
Pro Tip: The matte proof version commands higher premiums!
🚨 What to Do If You Find One
- Handle by edges only (wear cotton gloves)
- Photograph under natural light
- Submit to PCGS/NGC IMMEDIATELY ($150+ fee)
- Insure for $10K+ while authenticating
⚠️ Beware of Fakes!
Scammers try to:
❌ Add “V.D.B.” to normal pennies
❌ Fake proof surfaces with polish
❌ Alter mintmarks on common coins
Only trust PCGS/NGC-certified coins!
📢 Urgent Collector Alert
With fewer than 50 known, finding another would be numismatic history!
👇 Think You Found One? Get Expert Help!
“PennyVerse authenticated my $15,000 VDB proof!” – Mark D., California
Drop a photo in the comments—we’ll analyze it! 🔍
Leave a Reply