The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $100K, Still in Circulation

On: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 9:03 AM

If you’re a coin enthusiast or have a bag or box of old coins lying around your house, pay attention—because it could hold a rare and valuable coin like the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny. Not only is this coin a big deal in US numismatic history, it’s worth millions of rupees today. So let’s find out why this coin is so special, how to identify it, and what you should do if you ever find one.

The 1909 Lincoln Penny: A Historic Start

First, it’s important to know that the 1909 Lincoln Penny was the first US coin to feature a real person—US President Abraham Lincoln. The coin was launched to mark Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary, making it historic already.

But that’s not where it ends. There were several versions of the 1909 Lincoln Penny, and one of them is what we call the 1909-S VDB Penny.

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Why is the 1909-S VDB Penny so special?

The coin was designed by artist Victor David Brenner, and his initials “V.D.B.” were printed at the bottom of the coin’s reverse side.

But a lot of people at the time didn’t like the fact that the designer’s name was so prominently displayed. So the U.S. Mint quickly removed the “V.D.B.” from the coin. But by the time that happened, a small batch had been produced at the San Francisco Mint that had two special things:

The “S” mint mark below the date (which shows that the coin was made in San Francisco)
The “V.D.B.” on the back. letters, which represent the designer’s name

These two things make the 1909-S VDB penny so rare and valuable. Only 484,000 of these coins were made, which is very low compared to other coins.

How to Identify a 1909-S VDB Coin?

If you found a 1909 Lincoln penny, look for the following things to check if it is a true Lincoln penny:

Date: The coin should clearly have the year 1909 written on it.
Mint Mark “S”: There should be an “S” letter right below the date, indicating that the coin was minted in San Francisco.
“V.D.B.” Initials: The reverse of the coin should have the letters “V.D.B.” engraved on the bottom, between two wheat stalks.

Color and condition: Old coins lose their color and shine over time. These colors fall into three categories:

Red – the freshest and best condition
Red-Brown – medium condition
Brown – a coin that has been in circulation in general

Color and condition have a direct impact on the price of the coin.

How much can this coin be worth?

The price of the 1909-S VDB Penny depends on its condition:

If the coin is slightly worn but genuine, then its price can range from thousands to lakhs of rupees.
If the coin is in “mint state” i.e. it has never been used, and its color is red, then its auction price can be more than ₹1 crore.

An example: In April 2022, a similar coin that was in MS67RD grade (meaning brand new and shiny), was sold for $168,000 (approximately ₹1.4 crores).

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Caution: Avoid fake coins

Due to the popularity of this coin, there are a lot of fake copies in the market. So if you think you have this coin, first get it checked by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Keep in mind:

Never clean or polish it, otherwise its value may decrease.
Do not make the mistake of selling it without an expert examination.

Points to note: Do you have the real one?

Many people consider 1909 VDB (without S mint mark) or even 1909-S (without VDB) as rare, but the real and valuable coin is the one that has both the S mint mark and V.D.B. initials.

So if you have a 1909 coin, then:
Look for an “S” below the date
Check for “V.D.B.” on the reverse
Have an expert verify the coin’s authenticity

Conclusion:

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a coin that blends history, art, and collecting. It not only represents the beginning of America’s coin history, but also the identity of an artist and the controversies of the time.

If you ever get your hands on this coin, you’re holding not just an old coin, but a historical treasure. With proper identification and care, it could be worth millions.

FAQs

Q1. What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?

A: The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin that was minted between 1909 and 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.

Q2. Why is this Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $100,000?

A: Certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are extremely valuable due to their rarity, minting errors, and historical importance. One in pristine condition or with rare variations can fetch as much as $100,000.

Q3. Is it true this rare penny could still be in circulation?

A: Yes. Although rare, it’s possible that some of these valuable coins remain in circulation, tucked away in old jars, wallets, or inherited coin collections.

Q4. How can I check if my penny is valuable?

A: Examine the year, mint mark, and condition. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors or unusual features, then consult a coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Q5. What are mint marks and why do they matter?

A: Mint marks indicate where a coin was made (e.g., “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver). Some mint marks are rarer than others, significantly affecting the coin’s value.