The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $168K, Still in Circulation

Do you have an interest in collecting ancient coins or do you just watch them as they lie idle in your wallet? An ancient one is here that could be a game-changer for your fortune. The very rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny, whose auction price has soared to $168,000 i.e. around ₹1.4 crore is the antique in question.

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What is so special about the 1909-S VDB coin?

What makes the coin special is its history and limited number of prints. 1909 was the year for minting Lincoln cents for the first time, And in this very year some special coins made in San Francisco had the marks “S” and “VDB”.

S indicates that the coin is made in the San Francisco Mint.

The VDB initials stand for the name of the coin’s designer Victor David Brenner. These appear at the bottom of the reverse side of the coin.

The number of this special edition was only 484,000, which is very low compared to any standard coin. This is why this coin remains widely sought after by collectors.

Watch Out for Forgeries

It goes without saying, that since this coin is really popular and highly priced, many forgeries of the 1909-S VDB move around freely in the market. So, if you doubt you own this coin, it is paramount to get it authenticated by an expert right away.

Here are distinguishing features to identify the real coin:

• Location of “S” — In genuine coins, the “S” should sit directly underneath the date.
• Spelling and spacing of “VDB” — In fake coins, the letters are often arranged differently.

The best and the most authoritative way to authenticate and grade your coin is via professional services like PCGS and NGC.

What’s the Price Range?

The price of this coin depends on its condition. Even if it is in general condition, its price could vary between ₹80,000 to ₹200,000.

But if it happened to be in mint condition, then it will be sold in auctions for something above ₹10 million.

For example:

In April 2022, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent that was given an MS67RD grade (that is, mint condition and with reddish sheen) was auctioned off for $168,000 (₹1.4 crore).

Who is Victor David Brenner?

Victor David Brenner was a noted artist and designer who made the design of the Lincoln cent. VDB are the initials of his name, which he inscribed on the back of the coin in his honor.

However, initially, some people did not like why a designer’s name was written so big on the coin, so later these letters were removed. This is why coins with “VDB” are considered very rare today.

Do you have this coin?

It is possible, especially if you have ancient-type safes or piggy banks, or it can be some coins that you inherited. Some people might have kept these coins not knowing how valuable a treasure they harbor. So,

• Examine your old coins thoroughly.
• If you find a 1909 Lincoln, look for “VDB” at the bottom.
• And check to see if there is an “S” under the date.

Historical Importance of Coin

When, in 1909, Lincoln was placed on US coins, a very radical change had taken place. Prior to such, coins represented either an abstract symbol or were represented by the images of gods and goddesses. Lincoln’s image was portrayed for the first time on an American coin, which was a momentous occasion in the history of the United States.

Thus, this coin is seen not just from the collecting point of view but also from the angle of historical heritage.

Conclusion: A One-Paisa Coin Worth Crores

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent is not just an old coin but a constellation of history, art, and rarity. If you have it in any form, you can be a lakhpati or even crorepati if, and only if, it is real and in decent shape.

Next time you sift through your box of old coins and check one out: You never know; you could have just the rare coin that everyone is looking for!

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