Can you imagine holding a penny that’s worth more than a new car? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. There’s a special coin called the 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny, and if you find one in great condition, it could be worth up to $100,000. What’s even more surprising? It might still be floating around—maybe in your old piggy bank or a coin jar at home.
Lincoln Penny Ever Made
This penny was first made in 1909. It was a big deal because it was the first U.S. coin to show a real person—Abraham Lincoln. It was made to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Before this, pennies had a design called the Indian Head. The new Lincoln penny had a fresh design and became very popular.
Now, here’s what makes this one special. Only some of these 1909 pennies were made in San Francisco. These coins have a small “S” mark under the year. That “S” tells us it was made in the San Francisco Mint.
Also, the designer Victor David Brenner added his initials “V.D.B.” on the back of the coin. But not everyone liked that, so later pennies had the initials removed. That makes these early ones rare.
Penny Valua
There are a few big reasons why collectors love this coin:
- It’s rare – Only about 484,000 of them were made with the “S” mark and V.D.B. initials.
- It’s the first Lincoln penny ever – That makes it important in U.S. history.
- The initials “V.D.B.” were removed soon after, so only a few coins have them.
Because of all this, the 1909-S V.D.B. penny is in high demand. A coin in poor shape may be worth a few hundred dollars. But a coin in mint condition (like new) could go for $50,000 to $100,000 in auctions.
How to Find One
Think you might have one? Here’s how to check:
- Look at the date – It should say 1909.
- Check under the year – If there’s a tiny “S”, that’s a good sign.
- Flip the coin – Look on the bottom of the back side. If you see the letters “V.D.B.” between the wheat stalks, then wow—you might have a rare one!
Also, look at the coin’s condition. Even if it’s old, the letters and numbers should still be easy to read. But be careful—some fakes are out there. If you think you’ve got one, get it checked by a coin expert.
Still in Circulation
Yes, it’s possible. Many of these coins were never found by collectors. Some may still be sitting in coin jars, old drawers, or even passed around in change. People who don’t know their value may have spent them like any regular penny.
So next time you get coins back from the store, take a closer look. You never know!
What To Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found this rare penny, here’s what NOT to do—don’t clean it. Cleaning can actually lower the value.
Instead, take it to a coin dealer or a grading service. They’ll tell you if it’s real and how much it’s worth. After that, it’s up to you. You can keep it, sell it, or even put it up for auction. Either way, it’s a pretty exciting discovery.
Coin Buyers Across the USA
State | Coin Buyer District Name |
---|---|
Alabama | District of Alabama |
Delaware | District of Delaware |
Pennsylvania | District of Pennsylvania |
Oregon | District of Oregon |
New York | District of New York |
Kentucky | District of Kentucky |
North Carolina | District of North Carolina |
Massachusetts | District of Massachusetts |
Maryland | District of Maryland |
Iowa | District of Iowa |
Colorado | District of Colorado |
Illinois | District of Illinois |
Arkansas | District of Arkansas |
Alaska | District of Alaska |
Arizona | District of Arizona |
If you’re lucky to find the 1909-S V.D.B. penny, this list might help you find someone to sell it to!
Small Coin, Big Story
The 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a penny. It’s a piece of history, a collector’s treasure, and maybe even a life-changing find.
Sure, the chances are small. But if you enjoy coin collecting or just like checking your spare change, keep an eye out. That small brown coin in your hand could be a hidden gem.
FAQs
What year is the rare Lincoln penny?
1909 with an ‘S’ and ‘V.D.B.’ marks.
Where is the ‘S’ mark found?
Just below the year on the front.
Where are the ‘V.D.B.’ initials?
Bottom back, between wheat stalks.
Should I clean the coin?
No, never clean it.
Can I still find one today?
Yes, but it’s rare.