1909 Penny Value

1909 penny value depends on which of the four Lincoln cent varieties you have. A common 1909 penny with no mint mark and no VDB is usually worth about $4 to $27+ depending on condition, while a 1909 VDB penny is often worth more, around $10 to $35+ in lower to entry Mint State grades. A 1909-S penny is a much better key date, often selling for roughly $90 to $310+, and the famous 1909-S VDB penny is the most valuable regular-issue 1909 Lincoln cent, often worth hundreds to thousands of dollars even before top-end gem prices.

1909 penny value AUCTION RECORD: $1,603

Image source: PCGS

What is a 1909 penny worth?

A 1909 penny is usually worth one of these ranges depending on variety:

1909 penny, no mint mark, no VDB: about $4 to $27+
1909 VDB penny: about $10 to $35+
1909-S penny: about $90 to $310+
1909-S VDB penny: about $400 to $2,000+, with elite certified coins worth far more

Why the 1909 penny is important

The 1909 penny, also called the 1909 Lincoln Wheat cent, was the first year Abraham Lincoln appeared on a regular-issue U.S. circulating coin. It replaced the Indian Head cent and launched the Wheat reverse series that ran through 1958. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, and the first-year release included different combinations of mint marks and his VDB initials, which created the four collectible varieties that dominate search interest today.

1909 penny value by variety

1909 penny value no mint mark

The regular 1909 penny with no mint mark and no VDB was struck in Philadelphia. It is the most common of the four major 1909 Lincoln cent varieties, with a mintage of 72,702,618. NGC notes that Philadelphia issues are far more common than San Francisco coins, which is why the premium is relatively modest compared with the scarcer 1909-S and 1909-S VDB. NGC’s published values include roughly $12 in AU 50 BN, $27 in MS 60 RB, and $265 in MS 65 RD for the plain 1909 issue.

1909 VDB penny value

The 1909 VDB penny was also struck in Philadelphia, but it includes Brenner’s initials on the reverse. PCGS data shows a mintage of 27,995,000, making it scarcer than the plain Philadelphia coin but still much more available than the San Francisco issues. NGC’s values for the 1909 VDB include about $16 in AU 50 BN, $35 in MS 60 RB, and $250 in MS 65 RD.

1909-S penny value

The 1909-S penny has the San Francisco mint mark but no VDB initials. PCGS lists its mintage at 1,825,000, which is far lower than the Philadelphia issues and makes it a key coin in its own right. NGC lists values of about $215 in AU 50 BN, $310 in MS 60 RB, and $1,200 in MS 65 RD for the 1909-S without VDB.

1909-S VDB penny value

The 1909-S VDB penny is the star of the year. PCGS lists a tiny mintage of 484,000, and that scarcity is the main reason it is one of the most famous key dates in American coin collecting. NGC’s published values include around $1,575 in AU 50 BN, $2,150 in MS 60 RB, and $8,250 in MS 65 RD, though exceptional certified examples can sell for much more.

How to tell which 1909 penny you have

To identify a 1909 penny, check two things:

Mint mark under the date
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- S = San Francisco
VDB initials on the reverse
- No VDB = plain 1909 or 1909-S
- V.D.B. at the bottom of the reverse = 1909 VDB or 1909-S VDB

This is the simplest way to separate a common coin from one worth much more.

1909 penny facts

Coin type: Lincoln Wheat cent
Year: 1909
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19 millimeters
Edge: Plain

Why some 1909 pennies are worth so much more

The difference in 1909 penny value comes down to four main factors: variety, mintage, condition, and color. The San Francisco issues are scarcer than the Philadelphia coins, and coins with original RD (Red) color are usually worth much more than RB (Red-Brown) or BN (Brown) examples. That is why a common worn 1909 Philadelphia cent may sell for only a few dollars, while a certified 1909-S VDB in Mint State can be worth thousands.

Is a 1909 penny rare?

A plain 1909 penny with no mint mark is not rare, though it is still collectible because it is a first-year Lincoln cent. A 1909 VDB is also collectible but not truly rare. The 1909-S is scarce, and the 1909-S VDB is the genuinely rare, high-demand key date that drives most of the search volume around “1909 penny value.”

FAQ

How much is a 1909 penny worth today?

A 1909 penny value can range from about $4 for a common Philadelphia coin to thousands of dollars for a rare 1909-S VDB in better grades. The exact value depends on mint mark, VDB initials, condition, and color.

What is the rarest 1909 penny?

The 1909-S VDB penny is the rarest regular-issue 1909 Lincoln cent among the four main varieties, with a mintage of only 484,000.

Where is the VDB on a 1909 penny?

The V.D.B. initials are at the bottom of the reverse, centered between the wheat stalks near the rim.

Is a 1909 penny with no mint mark valuable?

Yes, but it is usually the least valuable of the four main 1909 Lincoln cent varieties. It still carries a premium because it is a first-year issue.

Why is the 1909 penny important?

It marks the debut of the Lincoln cent, the first regular U.S. coin to feature a real historical person, Abraham Lincoln.

What is the value of a 1909 Wheat Penny?
The 1909 Wheat Penny value ranges from $1.50 to over $1,000 for mint condition coins, with the VDB version being more valuable.
How rare is the 1909 Penny?
The 1909 Wheat Penny is considered relatively common, but the VDB version, especially from the San Francisco Mint (S VDB), is rarer and more valuable.
What factors affect the 1909 Penny's value?
Condition, mint mark (especially the S VDB version), and the presence of the VDB initials significantly affect its value.
What is the highest price ever paid for a 1909 Wheat Penny?
The highest prices are usually paid for the 1909 S VDB version, with high-grade examples fetching tens of thousands of dollars.
Does the condition of the 1909 Wheat Penny significantly impact its value?
Yes, the coin’s condition greatly affects its value, with higher grades like uncirculated or mint condition commanding much higher prices.
Are there any known errors on 1909 Wheat Pennies that increase their value?
Errors are more commonly sought after in later years, but the main value in 1909 pennies comes from their mint marks and condition.
How can I determine if my 1909 Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check for the mint mark (S VDB is most valuable), condition, and consult with a coin expert or a reliable price guide.
What is the average selling price of a 1909 Wheat Penny?
Selling prices vary, but non-VDB pennies in good condition can sell for a few dollars, while VDB versions, especially with the S mint mark, can sell for much more.
What makes the 1909 Wheat Penny unique compared to other Wheat Pennies?
The 1909 Wheat Penny was the first year of issue and features the designer’s initials VDB on some versions, making it unique.
Can a 1909 Wheat Penny be a good investment?
Yes, particularly the 1909 S VDB version, which is highly sought after by collectors and can appreciate in value.
What should I do if I find a 1909 Wheat Penny?
Assess its condition, check for a mint mark, and consider getting it appraised by a professional to accurately determine its value.
Where is the best place to sell a 1909 Penny?
Coin dealers, auctions, and numismatic shows are good places to sell, especially for rarer versions like the 1909 S VDB.
What historical significance does the 1909 Wheat Penny hold?
It marks the first year of the Lincoln Wheat Penny series and the introduction of Victor David Brenner’s design.
Are there any special collecting tips for 1909 Wheat Pennies?
Focus on the condition and authenticity, particularly for the 1909 S VDB version, as it's the most valuable and often counterfeited.
How does the 1909 Wheat Penny fit into the overall Wheat Penny collection?
It is a cornerstone of any Wheat Penny collection, representing the inception of the series and offering a variety of collectible versions, especially the sought-after 1909 S VDB.

Learn more about:

1909 VDB Wheat Penny, Morgan silver dollar value, Indian head penny mintage, what are quarters made of, penny error list by year, 1944 steel penny value, how many pennies in a roll.