1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Value
1909 · 1¢ · 95% copper 5% tin+zinc
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $800.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $1,100 |
| Fine (F-12) | $1,500 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2,500 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $7,500 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $37,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S | VDB on reverse, only 484,000 minted before initials removed | $800–$2,500 |
| 1909-S | No VDB variety also scarce with 1.83 million minted | $80–$400 |
| 1909 | Philadelphia VDB, common but popular as first-year type coin | $8–$25 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Victor D. Brenner
- Years
- 1909
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- 95% copper 5% tin+zinc
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Weight
- 3.11 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny: History & Background
The 1909-S VDB is the most famous key date in the entire Lincoln cent series. When the Lincoln cent debuted in August 1909 to mark the centennial of Lincoln's birth, designer Victor David Brenner's initials V.D.B. appeared prominently on the reverse. Public outcry over the conspicuous initials led the Mint to remove them after only a few days of production. The San Francisco mint struck just 484,000 examples before the change, compared to 28 million from Philadelphia, making the 1909-S VDB a cornerstone coin for any serious collection.
How to Grade a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $800.00 in Poor to $2,500 in Uncirculated — a 3× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $7,500 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny series has 3 notable key dates. The 1909-S is valued at $800–$2,500, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 95% copper 5% tin+zinc coin, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (19mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (1909) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, this 1¢ coin was struck in 95% copper 5% tin+zinc with a diameter of 19mm and weight of 3.11 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $1,500 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $7,500+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny worth today?
A 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (1909) is worth between $800.00 in Poor condition and $2,500 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $1,500. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $7,500 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
The most valuable 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is the 1909-S — vdb on reverse, only 484,000 minted before initials removed. This date is valued at $800–$2,500 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
Grading a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$1,500) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$2,500) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys?
For common-date 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
Yes. Known 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is real?
Authentic 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys weigh 3.11 grams and measure 19 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 95% copper 5% tin+zinc. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny the most?
The four biggest value drivers for 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1,400 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1909-S command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys were made?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny was produced from 1909. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1909-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
Never clean a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny a good investment?
1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennys in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.