1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Skyrockets to $1 Million – Here’s Why!

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is among the most sought-after coins in the world of American coin collecting. How did it evolve from a plain one-cent piece to a coin worth a million bucks? The tale is one of design controversy, limited mintage, and huge demand from collectors.

Origin of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

In 1909, in honor of the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln cent. The coin was designed by famous graphic designer Victor David Brenner.

Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” were large and boldly engraved on the reverse of the coin. The design, though, was controversial to the public since many felt it was too big and showy. Due to public outcry, the U.S. Mint soon eliminated Brenner’s initials from the design. Due to this alteration, the minting of coins with the original design was extremely small in quantity, so they became even rarer.

Key Features

• Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Mint Mark: ‘S’ (issued from the San Francisco Mint)
• Production Number: Approximately 484,000 Coins
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Diameter: 19.00 mm

Why did this coin become so rarity and valuable?

The 1909-S VDB Penny became a valuable coin for several reasons:

1. Limited Production: Only 484,000 coins were made, making it one of the rarest coins in the Lincoln Cent series.
2. Design Changes: Due to Brenner’s initials being removed from the initial design, the original VDB version became highly distinctive.
3. Historical Significance: This was the first Lincoln cent struck, holding an important place in U.S. coin history.
4. Collector Demand: Its rarity and unique story make it a prized asset for coin collectors.

Record-Breaking Sales at Auction

This coin’s popularity has led it to incredible prices at auction. Specifically:

• April 2022: A PCGS MS-67 Red graded 1909-S VDB coin sold for $168,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction.

These figures show that the demand and value of this coin has been steadily increasing over time.

Evaluation and Market Value

The value of this coin depends on its condition (grade) and color (red, brown, etc.). The table below shows its estimated value according to grade:

Grade	Condition	Estimated Value ($)
G-4	Good	700 – 800
VG-8	Very Good	900 – 1,000
F-12	Fine	1,000 – 1,200
VF-20	Very Fine	1,200 – 1,500
EF-40	Extremely Fine	1,500 – 2,000
AU-50	About Uncirculated	2,000 – 2,500
MS-60	Mint State	2,500 – 3,000
MS-63	Choice Uncirculated	3,000 – 4,000
MS-65	Gem Uncirculated	5,000 – 6,000

This value can change according to market demand, and in extremely rare cases, it can even reach millions of dollars.

How ​​to Identify a Real 1909-S VDB Penny?

Given the rarity of this coin, there are plenty of fake copies of it in the market. If you have this coin, pay attention to these points to check its authenticity:

• Obverse: The mint mark ‘S’ should be present below the year 1909.
• Reverse: The letters ‘V.D.B.’ should be engraved in the center just below the wheat stalks.

Since the risk of counterfeit coins always remains, it is safest to have it checked by a reputable coin grading service (PCGS, NGC) or an experienced numismatic expert.

Conclusion

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a good example of a coin that has traced an historical path in time from controversy to rarity and value.

Its monetary value over time, design changes, lower numbers, and growing demand among collectors render it an invaluable gem among American coin collectors. Should you find yourself fortunate enough to get your hands on this coin, you hold an invaluable heritage in your hands, the worth of which can increase with time.

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