Lincoln Penny Could Be Worth $94,000: When we talk about ancient and historic coins, we often focus on their metal, design or the time of their release. But in the world of coin collecting, there are some coins that become special because of a minor but controversial element. One such example is the 1909-S VDB Cent—a coin that created a stir among collectors, Mint officials and the general public in just four days. The three small letters ‘V.D.B.’ on the coin, which represent the abbreviation of its designer Victor D. Brenner, are the root of the whole matter. This coin has become one of the most talked about and rarest coins in the history of the U.S. Mint, with a price of up to $94,000 today.
The Coin’s Historic Arrival and Public Curiosity
August 2, 1909, marked a historic turning point in American currency history. This was the day when the Lincoln cent was first introduced to the public. This was the first time that the image of an American president was depicted on a regular coin, and that too of a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln. The public was thrilled to see Lincoln’s portrait, and this was the reason why huge crowds thronged outside the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. Not only this, long queues of people were also seen outside the sub-treasury offices and banks in cities like New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. Everyone was eager to get their hands on this special coin, but they did not know that this coin also had a small but controversial design element that would make this coin a part of history in the days to come.
V.D.B.—A small printing, big controversy
This coin was designed by an artist named Victor D. Brenner, who was not very well known at that time but because of this design, he became immortal forever. He had engraved the three initials of his name—V.D.B.—very clearly in the lower part of the back of the coin. This did not come to anyone’s attention initially, but within a few days, when people noticed it, it suddenly started to be criticized. From the media to government circles, it became a topic of discussion everywhere: should a designer be given such a prominent place? Never before had the name of a designer been printed so openly on any American coin. The result was that on August 6, 1909, within just four days, the Mint Department stopped the production of these coins with the letters V.D.B. The Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh immediately ordered that these letters be removed from the new coins and the design be modified.
The newspaper’s prediction and the competition among collectors
The New York American newspaper published an article at that time in which it was written, “Hold on to your Lincoln cents. They will now be worth much more than just one cent.” This warning said that the minting of coins with V.D.B. had been stopped and the designer’s name would be hidden as a subtle ‘B’ on the new coins. Therefore, these V.D.B. coins will now be considered “freak issues” and will be in high demand among collectors around the world. He also predicted that the value of these coins will increase steadily over time. This prediction proved to be 100% true. Today this coin is not only priceless but has also become a historical document.
Features and Construction of the 1909-S VDB Cent
The 1909-S VDB cent is not only the hallmark of a designer, but it also symbolizes the temporary discomfort of the US Mint and the strong reaction of the public. This coin was specially issued from the San Francisco Mint, so it has an “S” mint mark. It weighs 3.11 grams and is made of 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc. The color of the coin is light orange and lemon yellow, which makes it different from other coins. When this coin is found in ‘mint state,’ i.e., brand-new condition, its price can reach up to $94,000. Not only that, its smooth edges, shiny surface and light spots make it extremely rare in the eyes of experts. This is a coin that combines history, beauty and rarity.
Is this coin still in circulation today?
Yes, it is surprising to know that despite being so rare and expensive, the 1909-S VDB cent can still be found in circulation sometimes. Some people have found this coin in old jars, in a pile of holiday keepsakes or in an old closet drawer. If you also collect coins or sometimes look carefully for holidays in your purse, you may also get your hands on this historical treasure. Especially if a coin has “1909” written on it, an “S” mint mark and the letters “V.D.B.” clearly visible on the back—then understand that you have a rare gem.
Conclusion: Heritage Value
The 1909-S VDB cent is not just a coin; it is a living piece of American currency history. It is an amalgamation of social reaction, design principles, and government decisions of the time. Nothing shows how a small designer’s identity can play such a big role in history better than this coin. Today, this coin is worth millions of dollars, but even more value is tied to its legacy, story, and history. So, the next time you’re browsing through holiday coins, take a close look—is that a 1909-S VDB cent? Because it may not be a cent, but a $94,000 story.
FAQs
Q. What is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent?
A. It’s a rare and valuable penny minted in San Francisco in 1909, featuring the initials “V.D.B.” of its designer, Victor D. Brenner.
Q. Why was the 1909-S VDB penny discontinued?
A. The prominent placement of the designer’s initials sparked public criticism, leading to the coin’s production being halted just four days after its release.
Q. How much is the 1909-S VDB penny worth today?
A. Depending on its condition, it can be worth anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $94,000 in mint state.
Q. Where can I find the “V.D.B.” initials on the coin?
A. They are located on the reverse (back) side of the coin, at the bottom between the wheat stalks.
Q. Can the 1909-S VDB penny still be found in circulation?
A. While extremely rare, some examples have surfaced in old coin jars or collections—so it’s worth checking your change!
