Investing in 1909 VDB Penny

For investors in collectible coins, one of the most famous and sought-after is the 1909 VDB penny. You certainly can find rarer coins, but the 1909 VDB penny, also known as the 1909 Lincoln cent or 1909 wheat penny, is one of the most popular. 

While the volume of the minting of the 1909 VDB penny is significant, generations of coin collectors have been intrigued by the story around the coin, adding to its collectible and investment value. Here’s a deeper look at why you might consider investing in the 1909 VDB penny.

1909 VDB Penny Value

It might be hard to imagine the true value of old pennies, but the 1909 VDB penny is worth more than one cent. Its value is wrapped in a multilayered story that has captivated Americans since the coin was minted.

Collectors and investors search for two versions of the coin, one minted in Philadelphia and the other in San Francisco. The 1909 VDB penny value for the Philadelphia minting runs between $4 and $375, depending on the coin's condition. Nearly 28 million of the pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. 

The rarer and more valuable 1909-S VDB penny is priced between $700 and $22,500 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), the world’s largest coin grading service. However, the highest price paid for a 1909-S VDB penny was $168,000 at an auction held between April 5 and 13, 2022, by Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

The 1909 VDB penny derives its value from its historical significance. Because of controversy, fascination and value ratcheted even higher, leading to just 484,000 of the pennies being minted in San Francisco. The short supply and the public’s interest in the 1909 Lincoln cent made it a favorite of collectors immediately.

History of the 1909 VDB Penny

The journey of the 1909 VDB penny into the American consciousness began with President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt wanted to revitalize American coinage by adding art and breaking with tradition by placing the image of a prominent person on a coin.

With the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth approaching, Roosevelt enlisted sculptor and medalist Victor David Brenner to depict Lincoln on the one-cent coin. Brenner, who had been born in the small Lithuanian village of Šiauliai and had immigrated to the United States, considered Lincoln a hero. He modified a medal he had made of Lincoln’s bust and Roosevelt approved.

Lincoln’s bust faces right on the obverse or front, of the coin. The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” first appears on a coin, forming an arc over Lincoln’s head. “Liberty” hovers behind Lincoln, with the date before him. 

On the reverse, two wheat sheaves are rounded against each side of the coin, “E. PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs above and “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” fill the center. Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.,” appear on the bottom edge.

When the coin was minted, it was poorly received by the public, who complained that Brenner’s initials appeared too prominently. Nearly 28 million coins had been minted in Philadelphia when the removal of the initials was ordered, but just 484,000 had been minted in San Francisco. This made the 1909-S penny an immediate collectors’ item.

How to Check if Your 1909 VDB Pennies Are Valuable

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is the most counterfeited coin in the world, according to the NGC. Here’s how to determine whether your 1909 VDB penny is authentic and estimate its value.

Condition

A coin’s condition encompasses the wear on the coin, its color, its sheen, any damage and its overall eye appeal. Uncirculated coins maintained in mint condition are rarer and more valuable.

Date

The date or age of a coin can contribute to its value; typically, the older the coin, the more valuable. A date, as in the case of the 1909 VDB penny, can tie the coin to history, adding to collectors' demand. 

The year 1909 commemorates the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s Birthday. Lincoln was one of the country’s most popular presidents at the time. It also marks the first year the bust of any American president or prominent person appeared on a coin. 

Mint Marks

Mint marks are letters that appear on a coin. They identify the mint where a coin was made so that the maker can be responsible for its quality. However, the marks are not always used. 

There are four U.S. Mints: Denver (D), Philadelphia (P), San Francisco (S) and West Point, New York (W). The 1909 VDB pennies minted in Philadelphia have no “P,” but the more valuable coins from the shortened minting in San Francisco carry the “S.”

The mint mark for San Francisco is what counterfeiters often try to manipulate. You can check the authenticity of your 1909-S VDB penny by inspecting the position of the “S” and looking closely for a small, raised dot inside its upper curve.

Mint Errors

Like other places of business, mints make mistakes. These errors, such as an off-center stamp or double stamping, are rare and can make a coin more valuable than one that was correctly minted.

How to Buy and Sell the 1909 VDB Penny

You can buy and sell a 1909 VDB penny through a reputable coin dealer, at an auction, online marketplace or at a coin show. Whether you want to buy or sell, remember that the NGC ranks the 1909 VDB penny as the top counterfeited coin. Take your time and check reviews of dealers and consider having your coin professionally inspected.

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Consider Investing in History With a 1909 VDB Penny

The 1909 VDB penny represents history and culture, making it one of the most popular coins to collect. Now that you know more about this impact, you might consider adding coin collecting to your investment portfolio. With a potential value of thousands of times its face value, the 1909 VDB penny could be a good start. 

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