The Lincoln Wheat Penny, once an ordinary coin for daily use, has become a treasure for collectors. A rare wheat penny from 1909, featuring the initials “VDB” of the designer Victor David Brenner, recently sold for $166,000.
What makes this coin so valuable? Let’s explore its story, why collectors treasure it, and whether such coins are still found today.
What Is a Wheat Penny?
The wheat penny, officially known as the Lincoln cent, was first issued in 1909 to honour President Abraham Lincoln’s hundredth birthday. Its reverse side shows two wheat stalks, hence the name “wheat penny.” This design was used until 1958.
The 1909-S VDB: A Collector’s Dream
In 1909, the U.S. Mint produced Lincoln pennies at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The San Francisco coins with “VDB” initials are among the rarest. Most of these were recalled or melted shortly after production, making surviving pieces extremely scarce.
What Makes the 1909-S VDB So Valuable?
The key reasons are its rarity and condition. Only about 484 to 485 are estimated to exist in certified collections. A high-grade example in excellent condition can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The one recently sold for $166K was graded Mint State 64RD, preserving its original red colour from minting.
Why Collectors Care About Condition
Coin collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70 to describe a coin’s condition. The higher the grade, the better the condition and the higher the value.
The recent sale was for a coin graded MS64RD, indicating slight wear but excellent preservation and original mint tone, which is rare for coins over 100 years old.
Is the 1909-S VDB Still in Circulation?
It is highly unlikely to find one in everyday use today. Most surviving pieces are owned by collectors and kept in safes or display cases.
While any wheat penny can turn up in your pocket change, the chance that it is a rare 1909-S VDB is extremely slim.
Other Rare Wheat Penny Varieties
Aside from the 1909-S VDB, other rare wheat pennies include the 1909-S (without VDB), 1909-S VDB cents in poor condition, and coins with errors such as double dies or wrong mint marks. These can also sell for thousands, depending on rarity and quality.
What to Do If You Find a Wheat Penny
If you discover a wheat penny in your change, check its date and mint mark. A 1909 coin with no mint mark means Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, “S” means San Francisco.
If it’s from 1909 or in unusually good shape, get it graded by a professional and appraised — even a modest condition wheat penny can still be worth $5 to $20, while rare varieties fetch more.
The recent sale of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln wheat penny for $166,000 shows the incredible value rare coins can hold. Though wheat cents were everyday currency for half a century, now they’re windows into history and objects of deep fascination.
While discovering such a treasure in your pocket is highly improbable, checking the date, mint mark, and condition is worth a moment. You never know — you might be holding a piece of American heritage that’s not just old but priceless.
FAQs
What makes the 1909‑S VDB Lincoln penny so special?
The 1909‑S VDB penny is rare because only a few were made with the designer’s initials, ‘VDB’. These were quickly pulled, making surviving pieces valuable.
How many 1909‑S VDB pennies are left?
Only around 484 to 485 are believed to still exist in coin collections worldwide, making them extremely rare.
Can I still find a wheat penny in my change?
Yes, it’s possible to find wheat pennies in your pocket change, though rare. Most valuable ones, like the 1909‑S VDB, are unlikely to appear.
How do I know if my wheat penny is valuable?
Check the year and mint mark. Valuable ones often have an ‘S’ mint mark and are from rare years like 1909. Condition also plays a big role.
What does MS64RD mean in coin grading?
It stands for Mint State grade 64 with Red colour, showing the coin is in excellent condition with its original colour preserved.
Are worn wheat pennies still worth anything?
Yes, even worn wheat pennies from rare years like 1909 can be worth money depending on rarity and demand.
Can there be fake 1909-S VDB pennies?
Yes, counterfeit versions do exist. That’s why it’s important to get rare coins authenticated by grading services like PCGS or NGC.
What should I do if I find a rare-looking penny?
Avoid cleaning or damaging it. Handle it carefully, then take it to a coin expert or send it to a grading service for proper evaluation.
