1909 VDB Penny Value: are “S”, No mint mark worth money?

American coin collectors and numismatists alike remain enamored of the 1909 VDB Penny. However, due to its historical significance and low mintage, this penny represents more than just monetary value.

This coin is particularly controversial, and we’ll see why in this post, alongside its unique qualities. We’ll look at everything that adds to its worth, from its rarity to historical significance. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

The 1909 VDB Penny Details

An overview of the coin’s details can be found below:

• Category: Lincoln Cents (1909–1958)
• Mint: San Francisco and Philadelphia
• Mintage: Approximately 28,500,000
• Obverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Reverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Composition: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
• Weight: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Edge: Smooth

The United States Mint struck the 1909 VDB Penny as a standard issue one-cent piece. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first regular-issue American penny to bear his initials on the back. Even though the 1909 VDB Penny was only in circulation for a single year, its significance in American numismatics is well-established.

Around 28.5 million coins were produced in the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mints. The copper-colored 1909 VDB Penny has a diameter of 19 mm with a weight of 3.11 g.

The right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln graces the obverse (front) of the 1909 VDB cent. This depiction of Lincoln is one of the most recognizable images in American currency because it captures his likeness while deep in thought. In addition, the obverse features the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” to his left, and “1909” to his right.

Two wheat stalks, a sign of agricultural plenty, appear on both ends of the reverse (back) side of the 1909 VDB Penny. The initials “VDB” are engraved close to the coin’s base. Also, the words “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” may all be found on the back.

The 1909 VDB Penny is a well-proportioned example of Victor David Brenner’s artistic abilities. In addition, this coin is an incredibly stunning example of American numismatics because of the contrast between the intricate image on the obverse and the plain but easily recognizable design on the reverse.

The 1909 VDB Penny can is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, and tin. The incorporation of tin and zinc has increased the coin’s strength and corrosion resistance. Many different types of American coins have used this metal alloy because it’s been consistently used and is known for its durability and dependability.

This 1909 VDB Penny can be found in various conditions, from highly worn to pristine. The coin’s worth and desirability heavily depend on its state of preservation.

An excellent example of the 1909 VDB Penny will have a powerful strike, apparent features, and a shiny, untoned surface. Conversely, a 1909 VDB Penny that has seen heavy circulation may have faded details, a weak strike, and a dull, black appearance with noticeable signs of wear if it’s of a lesser grade.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)

The 1909 VDB Penny Value Chart

Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1909 “P” VDB No Mint Mark Penny Value	$3.89	$6.38	$9.50	$15
1909 “S” VDB Penny Value	$525	$678	$940	$1,283
	MS-60	MS-63	MS-65	MS-66
1909 VDB Proof Penny Value	$7,000	$15,000	33,500	41,250

The 1909 VDB Penny Value and Varieties Guides

Despite being heavily controversial, the 1909 VDB Penny was only struck in two mints — San Francisco and Philadelphia. Let’s discuss these in detail below.

1909 “P” VDB No Mint Mark Penny Value

• Category: Lincoln Cents (1909–1958)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mint Mark: Absent
• Mintage: 27,995,000
• Face Value: $0.01
• $ Price: $12.50 to $45
• Obverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Reverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Composition: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc
• Weight: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Edge: Smooth

This coin is a historic and highly sought-after piece of coinage. The initials VDB appeared on the coin’s reverse near the coin’s rim for the first time in 1909. Because of its “first of year” status, many people kept several of these coins.

About 27,995,000 VDB pennies, alongside 72,702,618 non-VDB pennies, were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1909. The coin is common, and even in the mint state, it’s only worth approximately $30 at most. However, one 1909 VDB Penny graded MS67+ RD fetched $8,225 in 2017, while a 1909 VDB MS 68 RD generated $54,600 in 2021.

1909 “S” VDB Penny Value

• Category: Lincoln Cents (1909–1958)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Mint Mark: S
• Mintage: 484,000
• Face Value: $0.01
• $ Price: $950–$4,150
• Obverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Reverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Composition: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc
• Weight: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Edge: Smooth

The first Lincoln pennies to be struck at San Francisco are easily recognizable by the VDB that you can find on the coin’s underside. Due to limited availability, the coins became collector favorites quickly. Today, coins from this mint and era are highly sought after by collectors.

In 1909, business was moderately active at the San Francisco Mint. The mint made 484,000 coins with the VDB design and 1,825,000 without the imprint. The “S” mint mark was present on each of these coins, indicating they were minted in San Francisco.

The equivalent value of this coin in the good grade is approximately $500. However, its value can rise to a staggering $2,000+ in the MS-63 grade.

A 1909-S VDB in MS-67 RD fetched $117,500 in a 2014 auction, a new record at the time. Another 1909-S VDB in MS-67 RD sold in 2022 for a whopping $168,000.

1909 VDB Proof Penny Value

• Category: Lincoln Cents (1909–1958)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mint Mark: Absent
• Mintage: 1,194
• Face Value: $0.01
• $ Price: $160,000 to $186,000
• Obverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Reverse Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Composition: 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc
• Weight: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Edge: Smooth

The 1909 Proof VDB Lincoln penny is considered one of the scarcest regular-issue proofs ever struck. About 1,194 VDB-proof pennies and 2,352 non-VDB-proof pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1909. These coins featured a matte finish, different from the usual mirror finish found on modern proof coins.

Fewer than 200 examples are thought to exist today, with even fewer examples in the red-proof grade. This explains why such coins can fetch such high values.

For example, a 1909 PR 66 VDB BN Lincoln cent can fetch you over $33,500, whereas a red coin in the same condition will sell for twice as much. For a jaw-dropping $258,500, a 1909 VDB Penny graded PR 67+RB changed hands in 2014.

The 1909 VDB Penny History

Numismatists worldwide place a high value on the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent because it was the first US coin to include an image of Abraham Lincoln. Notable sculptor and engraver Victor David Brenner is credited with designing the coin’s obverse. However, including his initials, “VDB,” on the coin’s reverse stirred up controversy.

It took a little while for the 1909 VDB Lincoln penny to rise in popularity as a collector’s item. Only 484,000 coins with the “VDB” on the reverse were minted in 1909 in the San Francisco Mint; the Philadelphia Mint produced a staggering 27.9 million copies, of which 1,194 were proof sets.

As much as this may seem, it’s still paltry compared to the nearly 74.5 million extra copies minted later in the year without the VDB, contributing to its scarcity and increasing demand. As a result, collectors place a high value on the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, and high-grade examples have fetched hefty prices at auction.

In addition to being the first coin to include a portrait of a president on its obverse, the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent is historically notable for another reason. Before the 1909 Penny, it was common for American coins to depict symbols like Lady Liberty or an eagle. However, this norm changed with the introduction of the Lincoln cent, after which other American coins stuck with the practice of featuring political leaders.

1909 VDB Penny Grading

Surface conditions—such as the presence of scratches, nicks, and other evidence of wear—and overall preservation—such as the quantity of original sheen and strike quality—are the essential considerations in evaluating the grade of a 1909 VDB Lincoln cent. Similarly, a coin’s rarity can increase or decrease its market value.

Additionally, the 1909 VDB Pennies are made of copper; hence, they’re often graded as Brown (BN), Red (RD), or Reddish-Brown (RD).

Lists of the 1909 VDB Penny Errors

There’s a lot of money to be made by spotting and selling coins with errors, but it helps to know what kinds of mistakes to look for. For example, the value of a 1909 VDB Penny is affected not only by its condition and rarity but also by its errors, the most common of which are as follows:

1. 1909 VDB Penny Double Die Obverse Error

1909 VDB Penny Double Die Obverse (DDO) errors are highly uncommon and valuable error coins. For whatever reason, the obverse (front) of the coin was struck twice, making the design appear mirrored. Collectors place a high value on these coins, and they often sell for a lot of money at auction.

If you have any coin you think might be a 1909 VDB Double Die Obverse Error, ensure an expert authenticates it before you buy it because there are many counterfeits. The coin has a value of $70 in VF 20 condition and $1,000 in MS-65 RD condition.

2. 1909 VDB Penny Offset Doubling Error

One of the most valuable error coins is the 1909 VDB Penny, which features an offset-doubling error. Incorrect die-to-planchet alignment during coin striking makes the design look mirrored. The design on the coin seems slightly off-center because of the offset doubling that occurred in one or more spots.

A copy with this error coin is extremely sought after by collectors and can sell for a lot of money at auction. The 2018 sale price of this error on MS-67 RD was $12,000.

3. 1909 VDB Penny DDO FS 1102 Error

One of the most sought-after and well-known 1909 VDB doubled die variants is the FS-1102 variety. The error occurred when the coin die was impressed twice with slightly off-center impressions. As a result, Lincoln’s neck is slashed on this coin just before his Adam’s apple.

This error is said to be a vertical die clash, which is quite tricky to spot. Therefore, it’s advised to have your coin graded or examined under a loupe to confirm that you’ve identified the correct flaw. For what it’s worth, a 1909 VDB Penny of the MS-67 RD grade fetched $24,150 in a 2012 auction.

4. 1909 VDB Penny Die Chip DDO Error

A chip or fragment of metal was missing from the die used to strike this 1909 VDB cent, resulting in a Die Chip DDO Error. The resulting bump or cud on the coin is the outcome of this process.

Collectors also place a premium on the Die Chip DDO Error because of its rarity and value. For example, in MS67, a 1909 VDB Penny with DDO and die-chips for B and R can fetch up to $9,600.

1909 VDB Penny Value FAQ

How many 1909-S VDB Pennies currently exist?

The exact number of 1909-S VDB pennies that currently exist isn’t known. However, it’s estimated that there are still over 5,000 survivors of these coins in MS-60 BN (Brown) and MS-60 RD (Red). Since the 1909-S VDB is the rarest and most sought-after version of the Lincoln penny, this coin is regarded as an important date in the series.

What does VDB mean on a 1909 Penny?

Located at the reverse’s base of the 1909 Penny, the letters VDB represent the designer’s initials — Victor David Brenner. Brenner was a Lithuanian-born sculptor and medalist who designed the Lincoln Cent.

Which 1909 VDB Penny has the highest value?

The 1909 VDB Proof Penny with a PR67+ RB grade is the most sought-after and expensive variant of this coin. This piece fetched $258,500 at Heritage Auctions in August 2014. However, the 1909-S VDB Penny is also highly valuable — an MS-67 RD grade copy was sold at auction in 2022 for $168,000.

How do I identify a 1909-S VDB Penny?

Observe the date “1909” and the face of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse of the coin to determine if it’s a 1909-S VDB Penny. More importantly, the San Francisco Mint’s letter “S” mint mark, found on the coin’s reverse, is proof that the currency was struck there.

Conclusion

Due to low production and significant history, the 1909 VDB Penny is extremely valuable. In fact, collectors of early American coins consider them a must-have. Low-grade examples can sell for a few hundred dollars, while high-grade, uncirculated coins can fetch several thousands.

American numismatists will tell you that a 1909 VDB Penny is the most precious coin ever produced. In addition, several numismatists and collectors value it for the insight it gives into the nation’s past. Without mincing words, the 1909 VDB cent is vital to any early United States coin collection.