Wheat Penny 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Coin That Is Worth More Than History Whenever it comes to rare and historical coins, the name of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny comes first. This small coin not only holds an important place in the history of American coin collection, but it is still considered very popular and valuable among collectors around the world.
A priceless coin related to history
First issued in 1909, this coin marked the beginning of the Lincoln Cent series. This was the period when coins with the picture of Abraham Lincoln were being issued in America to pay tribute to him. But what makes this special coin even more unique is the initials of its designer Victor David Brenner, “VDB”, which were engraved on its reverse.
The capital letters ‘VDB’ written on the back of the coin became a matter of controversy at that time. Many people saw it as ‘self-promotion’ or ‘advertising’. For this reason, the US Mint soon removed these letters and released a new version of the coin. This is the reason why the coins on which these letters are still present have become extremely rare and valuable.
1909-S VDB Penny: Why is it so precious?
Now the question arises that why is this coin so special?
First of all – this coin was issued only in 1909 at the San Francisco Mint and its total minting was only 4,84,000. This number is extremely low compared to the minting of normal US coins (which is in crores).
Secondly — it was the first coin of the Lincoln Cent series, which in itself has historical significance. Thirdly and most importantly — the presence of the letters VDB on it, which were later removed, makes it even more rare.
How rare is this penny?
If you are thinking that you will get this coin just like that, then you might have to think again. This coin has become so rare today that finding it is no less than a treasure hunt for a collector. And if a coin is found in Mint State i.e. in a brand new condition, then its price is in lakhs.
Record-breaking auction
In the year 2022, a 1909-S VDB penny was auctioned for $144,000 (about ₹1.2 crores) in MS-67 grade (Mint State 67). Imagine, a small bronze coin, which was once minted for just one cent, is now worth millions. This is proof that rarity and historical significance can send the price of any item sky high.
Every collector’s wish
Whether you are a novice collector or have been collecting coins for years, the 1909-S VDB Penny is on everyone’s “wishlist”. It is not just a coin, but an icon of American history — which not only honors the legacy of President Lincoln but also brings forth the stories behind coin designing.
Can it be sold or purchased in India?
Yes! There are many rare coin enthusiasts in India too. If you have this coin and want to sell it, many international auction houses and collectors can buy it at good prices. But keep one thing in mind — its authenticity and condition matter a lot.
Conclusion
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just an old coin — it is a historical treasure that shines brightest in the world of coin collecting. Its rarity, disputed designer’s initials, and limited minting make it a priceless gem. If you are lucky enough to have this coin, then understand that you are holding a priceless piece of history with you.
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FAQs
Q1: What does “1909-S VDB” mean?
A. The “1909” represents the year the coin was minted. The “S” indicates that it was made at the San Francisco Mint and the “VDB” are the initials of designer Victor David Brenner.
Q2: Why is this coin so expensive?
A. There are three main reasons behind this — limited minting (484,000), the first coin to feature Lincoln’s portrait, and the controversy over the letters VDB that led to the early withdrawal of these coins.
Q3: Can this coin still be found today?
A. Very unlikely. Most 1909-S VDB coins are in private collections and those that do come to the open market are worth millions
Q4: What is its current value?
A. Its value depends on the condition of the coin. In mint state condition, it can sell for $50,000 to $1,50,000. In 2022, a specimen of it sold for $144,000.
Q5: Can it be sold in India?
Yes, many Indian collectors and international auction agencies are interested in buying such coins. Just make sure the coin is genuine and comes with the correct certificate.