A penny in your pocket could be worth a fortune. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, includes rare versions that can sell for up to $250,000. One of the most sought-after is the 1909-S VDB penny, a coin so rare that collectors go wild for it. Experts say some of these pennies might still be hiding in old jars or loose change. Here’s why this penny is so valuable and how to spot one.
Why Is This Penny So Special?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is a collector’s dream because so few were made. In 1909, the U.S. Mint released the first Lincoln pennies to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, and “VDB” are the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 of these coins were minted before the Mint removed the VDB initials from later designs, making them super rare. A well-preserved 1909-S VDB penny can fetch $250,000 or more at auction.
The History Behind the Coin
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was a big deal when it came out. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s face, with Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. The 1909-S VDB caused a stir because some people thought the designer’s initials were too prominent. The Mint quickly stopped using them, making the early coins with VDB a rare find. Their connection to Lincoln and early 20th-century America makes them a piece of history that collectors cherish.
How to Spot a $250,000 Penny
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a fortune, but the 1909-S VDB is the one to look for. Here’s what to check:
- Date and initials: Look for “1909” and “VDB” on the back, near the bottom rim.
- Mint mark: Check for a small “S” under the date, showing it’s from San Francisco.
- Material: These pennies are bronze, weighing about 3.11 grams.
- Condition: Coins with clear details, no scratches, and a shiny surface are worth the most.
Use a magnifying glass to spot the “VDB” and “S.” If you think you have one, get it checked by a professional grader like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value.
| Feature | Standard Lincoln Penny | Rare 1909-S VDB Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1909–1958 | 1909 |
| Mint Mark | D, S, or none | S (San Francisco) |
| Initials | None after 1909 | VDB on back |
| Value | $0.01–$10 (worn) | Up to $250,000 |
Where to Find This Penny
You could have a $250,000 penny without knowing it. Check old coin collections, family heirlooms, or change from decades ago. These pennies were used as regular money, so they might turn up in piggy banks, flea markets, or even cash registers. Coin shows and online sites like eBay are good places to look, but buy from trusted sellers to avoid fakes. Joining coin clubs or following collector groups online can give you tips on where to search.
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a 1909-S VDB penny, don’t clean it—cleaning can damage it and lower its value. Store it in a protective holder and take it to a reputable coin dealer or grading service. They’ll verify if it’s real and tell you how much it’s worth. If it’s the rare version, you could sell it at auction for a huge sum or keep it as a valuable keepsake. Even worn examples can bring in thousands.
A Penny That Could Change Your Life
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that small change can hold big value. With only a few hundred thousand made, finding one is like hitting the jackpot. Grab a magnifying glass and start checking your pennies—you might just find a $250,000 treasure hiding in plain sight!