If you inherited a coin from your grandfather and tucked it away in a drawer, you might just be sitting on a hidden gem.
The remarkable story of the 1909‑S VDB Lincoln Cent — one of the most sought-after pennies in American numismatics — shows how a humble one-cent piece minted over a century ago can now be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
1909-S VDB Penny
In 1909, the U.S. Mint struck a new penny featuring President Abraham Lincoln and the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse.
The version minted at the San Francisco Mint — the 1909-S VDB — was produced in extremely limited numbers (only 484,000) and was withdrawn almost immediately.
That makes it a key date in the Lincoln cent series. In recent years, examples have sold at auction for $99,000 or more. If a grandfather gave you one of these long ago, it’s worth paying attention.
History & Background
- The Lincoln cent series debuted on August 2 1909, marking the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
- The design was by sculptor Victor David Brenner, whose initials “V.D.B.” appeared at the bottom of the reverse wheat-ear design.
- Public criticism of the prominent “VDB” initials led the Mint to halt the issue and remove the initials later in 1909.
- The Philadelphia Mint struck 27,995,000 of the 1909 VDB cents, but the San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB—the lowest mintage business strike in the Lincoln cent series.
- Because the issue was withdrawn so quickly, the 1909-S VDB quickly became one of the “holy grails” of penny collecting.
Why the “Grandfather’s Gift” Story Matters
Imagine you discovered that the small copper penny given to you years ago by your grandfather was not just sentimental but actually extremely valuable.
That’s exactly the kind of scenario that happens with the 1909-S VDB: passed down through generations, assumed to be a regular penny, yet standing out to expert numismatists as a top-tier rarity.
The odds of owning one un-recognised are small but real. And even low-grade examples of this coin can command thousands of dollars.
Key Facts & Figures
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1909 |
| Mint | San Francisco (mint mark “S”) |
| Designer’s initials | V.D.B. on reverse (bottom) |
| Mintage | 484,000 coins |
| Composition | 95% copper, 2.5% tin, 2.5% zinc |
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Example sale record | MS67 RD (Red) grade sold Jan 16 2025 for $99,000 |
| Example typical value | Mint State examples vary widely, from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars based on grade. |
Value Factors: What Makes One Worth “Thousands”
- Mint mark and VDB initials: Only the “S” mint mark combined with the “VDB” initials qualifies. If either is missing or altered, value drops significantly.
- Grade/condition: Coins graded MS (Mint State) in red (original copper colour) command the highest prices. For example, the $99,000 sale was in MS67 Red. Lower grade pieces (XF, AU) may still fetch thousands but much less.
- Red vs Red-Brown vs Brown colouring: Red (RD) examples have the highest premium; red-brown (RB) and brown (BN) grades are still valuable but less so.
- Authenticity: Because this coin is so prized, there are numerous counterfeits. Never buy or accept one without certification from a major grading service.
- Historical demand: As a key date coin in a very popular series (Lincoln cents), demand remains strong. With only 484,000 minted and many lost or damaged over time, the surviving high-quality examples are rare.
What to Do if You Own One
- Check for the “S” mint mark under the date and confirm “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse.
- Assess condition: Look for worn surfaces, cleaning, colour changes. If it retains original red colour and strong strike, it may be high value.
- Have it certified by a reputable third-party grading service (e.g., PCGS, NGC). Un-graded coins carry much more risk.
- Store properly: Avoid further wear, toning, damage. Keep in inert holder away from humidity and chemicals.
- Consider insurance/valuation: If it is bona fide and high grade, treat it like a valuable asset.
- Avoid quick sale to non-specialist buyer: Working with a specialist dealer or auction house will maximise value.
Real-Life Auction Evidence
Recent data confirms the soaring values: a certified MS67 Red example of the 1909-S VDB sold on January 16, 2025 for $99,000.
According to another guide, Mint State red examples may sell up to $175,000 in top condition. For lower grade examples, values still range in the thousands.
For example, a “Mint State with RB colour” range is quoted at about $1,700 to $27,500 depending on strike and condition.
Why This Coin Earns the Name “Key Date”
The term key date in coin collecting refers to a coin in a series that is significantly scarcer or more valuable than others—essential to completing a full collection. The 1909-S VDB fits this: its low mintage, historical context and removal of design features shortly after issuance make it the standout Lincoln cent.
What might have seemed like a simple heirloom penny from your grandfather could in fact be the prized 1909-S VDB. With just 484,000 minted and a strong collector base, this coin blends historical significance with scarcity and premium value.
Whether you just discovered it or have known of it for years, verifying authenticity and condition is the key to unlocking its full worth. If everything checks out, what started as a modest gift could now be a treasure worth tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
How can I identify a genuine 1909-S VDB penny?
Look for the date “1909”, an “S” mint mark beneath the date, and the initials “VDB” clearly at the bottom of the reverse (between the wheat stalks). Ensure the coin matches the known weight (3.11 g) and diameter (19 mm) and appears consistent with a bronze composition. Authentication by a certified grading service is strongly recommended.
Is every 1909 cent with “VDB” equally valuable?
No — the most valuable is the 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint). Pennies from 1909 with “VDB” but no mint mark (Philadelphia) or later versions without “VDB” exist and are far less valuable. The “S” plus “VDB” combination is key.
Could there still be one in everyday circulation?
While highly unlikely, it is technically possible. Many have been removed from circulation or archived by collectors. But if someone finds a 1909-S VDB unknown to them, it absolutely warrants professional evaluation.