The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $100,000
Imagine finding a penny that’s worth more than a brand-new car. That’s exactly the case with the rare 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny that features the initials “V.D.B.” This small copper coin, which looks like any other penny, can be worth up to $100,000 if it’s in excellent condition. Even more exciting, a few of these valuable coins could still be out there—maybe tucked away in an old coin jar or passed along as regular change.
A Historic First in American Coins
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny was a big moment in U.S. coin history. It was the first one-cent coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—instead of a symbol like Lady Liberty. It was released to honor the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and marked the beginning of a new style for American coins.
Why “S” and “V.D.B.” Make It So Valuable
This particular penny is special for three main reasons:
- It was made at the San Francisco Mint, which is shown by a small “S” under the date.
- It includes the initials “V.D.B.”—short for the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner—on the back, between the two wheat stalks.
- Only 484,000 were ever made, a very small number compared to how many pennies usually get produced.
Soon after it was released, some people complained that the designer’s initials were too noticeable. The U.S. Mint quickly removed them, making the few that were already released very rare—and very valuable.
How Much Is It Really Worth?
The value of this penny depends on its condition. If it’s worn, it could still be worth several thousand dollars. But if it’s in mint or uncirculated condition, it can sell for as much as $100,000 at auction. Coin collectors use a grading scale to determine a coin’s condition, and even a small improvement in grade can make a big difference in value.
Over time, the value of these pennies has only gone up. Coins that once sold for hundreds of dollars decades ago can now fetch tens of thousands, making them solid investments for collectors.
How to Spot One
Think you might have one of these rare pennies? Here’s what to look for:
- The date should be 1909.
- Look below the date for a small “S”—this means it was made in San Francisco.
- Flip the coin over and check for “V.D.B.” at the bottom between the wheat stalks.
If all these details are present, you might have a very rare coin on your hands. Be cautious though—many fakes exist. Real ones have a particular weight and color that experts can recognize. Also, never clean the coin, as that can lower its value.
Is There Still a Chance to Find One?
Yes! While most of these coins have been found and are now in collections, there’s always the chance one is still out there. People sometimes find them in old jars, inherited coin collections, or even as change from a store. It’s rare, but not impossible.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
If you believe you’ve found a 1909-S V.D.B. penny, handle it gently by the edges and put it in a protective holder. Don’t clean it! Then, contact a professional coin dealer or grading service to get it checked. They’ll confirm if it’s real and let you know how much it might be worth.
The Excitement of the Hunt
The story of the $100,000 penny proves that valuable things can still turn up in everyday places. It’s a reminder to always check your pocket change—because you never know what hidden treasure might be waiting to be found.
