1909 VDB Penny Value

The 1909 VDB penny value depends mainly on mint mark, condition, and color. As of 2026, A regular 1909 VDB penny with no mint mark is usually worth about $8 to $40+ in lower to uncirculated grades, while a rare 1909-S VDB penny can be worth thousands of dollars because only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco. The most expensive 1909 VDB penny on record was a 1909 S VDB penny in red condition, graded MS67, which sold for approximately $175,000. The “VDB” stands for designer Victor David Brenner, whose initials appear on the reverse at the bottom of the coin. PCGS lists the 1909 VDB as a regular Philadelphia issue, while the 1909-S VDB is the much scarcer key date collectors chase most aggressively. Continue reading to learn more about 1909 VDB Penny Value.

1909 VDB Wheat penny value

AUCTION RECORD: $4,830 • MS62

Image source: PCGS

What is a 1909 VDB penny worth?

A 1909 VDB penny value typically breaks down like this:

1909 VDB, no mint mark: about $8 to $40+ depending on grade
1909 VDB in red uncirculated condition: can reach hundreds or more
1909-S VDB penny: usually thousands, with premium certified examples far higher
Top-end auction examples: exceptional red gems have sold for well into six figures

1909 VDB Penny Design

The U.S. one cent coin from 1909-1958 is known as the “Wheat Penny.” This cent features the profile of Lincoln on the face. The reverse of the coin features two heads of wheat and the text, “E Pluribus Unum; One Cent; United States of America.” Sculptor Victor D. Brenner designed the coin and is said to have taken inspiration for Lincoln’s image from a 1864 portrait of Lincoln reading to his son, wanting the former President to seem at his brightest.

The new US one cent piece was struck at both the Philadelphia and the San Francisco mint. The 1909 Wheat Penny (VDB) in particular was struck in Philadelphia and bears no mint mark at all. It does bear the engraved initials of the designer on the reverse of the coin: “V.D.B.” The large mintage of this coin makes it rather common, unlike some of its sister coins from the same year, which may or may not bear a mint mark or Brenner’s initials, depending on the location where they were minted.

1909 VDB penny value by type

1909 VDB penny value no mint mark

The 1909 VDB penny with no mint mark was struck in Philadelphia, with a mintage of 27,995,000. Because it is much more common than the San Francisco issue, prices are far lower. USA Coin Book currently shows approximate values around $8.64 in average condition and about $38 or more in Mint State, while PCGS price data also supports the general pattern that circulated examples are affordable and premium red gems are much more valuable.

Typical value ranges for a 1909 VDB no mint mark:

Good to Very Fine: about $8 to $15
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated: about $19 to $30
Lower Mint State: around $38 and up
Gem Red examples: can move into the hundreds or much higher depending on certification and eye appeal

1909-S VDB penny value

The 1909-S VDB penny is the famous key date. PCGS notes that just 484,000 were minted, which is why it remains one of the most collected and most counterfeited Lincoln cents. Even circulated examples command strong prices, and certified high-grade coins can sell for very large sums.

Why is the 1909 VDB penny valuable?

The 1909 VDB penny is valuable for three reasons:

It was the first Lincoln cent, introduced in 1909.
It carries the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse.
The 1909-S VDB had an extremely low mintage and became a classic key date.

This combination of first-year issue, historical significance, and a famous scarce variety gives the coin enduring search and collector demand.

What does VDB mean on a penny?

VDB stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. His initials originally appeared prominently on the reverse of the 1909 coin, but controversy over their size led to their removal later that year. That short production window is a major reason collectors still search for the 1909 VDB penny value today.

1909 VDB penny facts

Coin type: Lincoln Wheat cent
Year: 1909
Variety: VDB
Mint mark: none for Philadelphia; S for San Francisco
Philadelphia mintage: 27,995,000
San Francisco mintage: 484,000 for 1909-S VDB
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19 mm

How condition affects 1909 VDB penny value

Condition has a huge effect on price. When collectors value a 1909 VDB penny, they look at wear, strike, luster, and color designation:

BN (Brown): mostly brown surfaces, generally lowest premium
RB (Red-Brown): mix of original red and brown
RD (Red): most original mint color remains, usually worth the most

A worn brown coin may sell for modest money, while a sharply struck red certified coin can sell for multiples of that amount.

How to tell if you have a valuable 1909 VDB penny

Check these features first:

Look at the date: it must read 1909
Look at the reverse bottom rim: you should see V.D.B.
Check for a mint mark under the date on the obverse:
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- S = San Francisco, much rarer and more valuable
Watch for fakes or altered mint marks on 1909 coins

Because of the value gap between the common Philadelphia coin and the rare San Francisco coin, authentication is essential for any coin that appears to be a 1909-S VDB penny.

1909 VDB Penny Value No Mint Mark

The value of a 1909 VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny with no mint mark can vary significantly based on its condition and grade:

Good (G4): Around $10 to $15
Very Fine (VF20): Around $25 to $35
Extremely Fine (EF40): Around $50 to $75
Uncirculated (MS60): Around $100 to $150
Uncirculated (MS65 Red): Can reach $750 or more

This penny is special because it was the first Lincoln cent design, and the "VDB" initials of designer Victor David Brenner were on the reverse, leading to controversy and limited mintage. Ensure your coin is authenticated and graded for an accurate valuation.

Type of coin: Penny

Year: 1909 Wheat Penny (VDB)

Mint Mark: none

Total mintage: 27,995,000

Metal content: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

Face value: One Cent

Weight: 3.11 grams

Diameter: 19 millimeters

Is a 1909 VDB penny rare?

The 1909 VDB no mint mark is not especially rare, but it is highly collectible because it is a first-year Lincoln cent with Brenner’s initials. The 1909-S VDB, however, is genuinely scarce and is one of the best-known key dates in U.S. coin collecting.

Where to check current 1909 VDB penny value

For up-to-date pricing, the strongest trust signals come from PCGS and NGC price guides and auction archives, since actual value can shift with grade, certification, and market demand.

The 1909 VDB Lincoln cent is a cornerstone of American numismatics, holding a place of significant historical and collector value. Its origins and variations contribute to its desirability.

Historical Context:

The 1909 VDB marked the introduction of the Lincoln cent, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth.
Victor David Brenner designed the coin, and his initials "VDB" were initially placed prominently on the reverse.
Due to public criticism, the VDB initials were quickly removed, making the 1909 VDB a short-lived and highly sought-after issue.
There were coins minted in Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The San Francisco minted coins, with the "S" mint mark, are the rarest.

Factors Influencing Value:

Condition:
- As with any coin, the grade significantly impacts value. Uncirculated examples command substantially higher prices.
- "Red" (RD) designation is highly prized, indicating the coin retains much of its original copper color.
Mint Mark:
- 1909 VDB (Philadelphia, no mint mark)
- 1909-S VDB (San Francisco) - This is the rarer and more valuable of the two.
Rarity:
- The 1909-S VDB is particularly rare, making it a key coin for collectors.

Value and Auction Insights:

Circulated 1909 VDB pennies have value above face value, and the values increase sharply with higher grades.
It is important to understand the very large difference in value between the 1909 VDB, and the 1909 S VDB. The San Francisco minted coin is far more valuable.
1909-S VDB:
- This is the key date, and high-grade examples can fetch very high prices.
- A 1909 S VDB penny in red condition, graded MS67, has sold for very high amounts, in the range of $175,000. This number can vary depending on the auction, and date of the sale.
To get very accurate up to date auction information, it is best to check sites like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)

Key Considerations:

Authentication is crucial, as counterfeits exist.
Grading by reputable services like PCGS or NGC is essential for accurate valuation.

The 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, especially the 1909-S VDB, remains a highly collectible and valuable coin, with its value driven by its historical significance, rarity, and condition.

FAQ

What is the 1909 VDB penny value?
The value of a 1909 VDB penny varies widely based on its condition and mint mark, ranging from about $12 in circulated condition to over $150,000 for mint state examples from the San Francisco mint (S VDB).
How can I identify a 1909 VDB penny?
A 1909 VDB penny can be identified by the VDB initials on the reverse side of the coin, located at the bottom.
What makes the 1909 S VDB penny highly valuable?
The 1909 S VDB penny is highly valuable due to its low mintage of 484,000 and its historical significance, making it a rare and sought-after coin among collectors.
What is the difference between the 1909 P VDB and 1909 S VDB pennies?
The main difference is the mint mark: "P" for Philadelphia (no mint mark) and "S" for San Francisco. The San Francisco version (S VDB) is much rarer and more valuable.
How does the coin’s condition affect the 1909 VDB penny value?
The coin’s condition significantly affects its value, with uncirculated (mint state) coins being worth much more than those in circulated conditions.
What are the color variations in 1909 VDB pennies, and how do they impact value?
1909 VDB pennies come in red, brown, and red-brown colors. Red coins are generally more valuable than brown and red-brown ones.
What is the value of a 1909 P VDB penny in mint condition?
A 1909 P VDB penny in mint condition can be worth up to $25,000, depending on its color and grade.
Are there any rare errors in 1909 VDB pennies?
Yes, there are rare errors like the Double-Die Obverse and Offset errors, which can significantly increase the value of the coin.
What is the history behind the 1909 VDB penny?
The 1909 VDB penny was created to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, and the initials VDB come from the coin’s designer, Victor D. Brenner.
How much is a 1909 S VDB penny worth in fine condition?
In fine condition, a 1909 S VDB penny can be worth around $1,100 and more.
What is the significance of the VDB initials on the penny?
The VDB initials represent the designer, Victor David Brenner, and were controversial at the time due to their prominent size, leading to their removal in later mintings.
How does the mint mark affect the 1909 VDB penny’s value?
The mint mark significantly affects the penny’s value, with the S (San Francisco) mint mark being far more valuable than the P (Philadelphia) due to its lower mintage and higher demand.
What are the grading scales for 1909 VDB pennies?
The grading scales range from Basal State-1 to Mint State-70, with higher grades indicating better condition and higher value.
Can the 1909 VDB penny still be found in circulation?
While it's possible, it's extremely rare to find a 1909 VDB penny in circulation today, as most are kept by collectors.
Where can I sell my 1909 VDB penny?
Selling can be done through reputable coin dealers such as Bullion Shark, auctions, online marketplaces, or coin collecting forums, with the value depending on the coin’s condition, rarity, and market demand.

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