Could a tiny copper coin, just a penny, really be worth more than your monthly mortgage payment—or even a brand-new car? As unbelievable as it may sound, a rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent has fetched over $15,000 at auctions. What’s even more incredible is that some collectors claim to have found them in circulation, hiding in plain sight among ordinary pocket change.
So, how can you identify this miniature treasure? What makes it so valuable? And—perhaps most exciting—could you actually find one yourself?
Let’s dive into the fascinating story of the 1909-S VDB penny, why it’s so sought after, and what to look for when going through your change. Because yes—it’s technically possible that a $15,000 coin could be hiding in your wallet right now.
The Story Behind the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
To understand why this penny is so valuable, we have to go back to the beginning of the Lincoln cent, which was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
Who Was VDB?
Those three little letters—V.D.B.—stand for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln penny. He included his initials prominently on the reverse of the coin, right below the wheat stalks.
While it might seem normal today for artists to sign their work, this was a point of controversy in 1909. Many felt the initials were too large and prominent, so the U.S. Mint quickly removed them, creating two distinct varieties of the 1909 cent:
- 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint)
- 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint)
The San Francisco version is what collectors go wild for. Only 484,000 were minted with the “S” mintmark and the “VDB” initials before production stopped.
That’s a tiny mintage number, especially for a coin that was meant for general circulation. It’s the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Lincoln cent, which makes it a true rarity today.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
1. Scarcity
With fewer than half a million made, and even fewer surviving in collectible condition, the 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most difficult key dates in the entire Lincoln cent series.
2. Historical Significance
Being the first year of the Lincoln cent—and a coin designed to honor a beloved president—it carries historical weight. The controversy surrounding the initials adds to its mystique.
3. Collector Demand
Lincoln cents are among the most widely collected coins in America. Every collector wants to complete their set, and the 1909-S VDB is the crown jewel. This keeps demand sky-high.
4. Condition Matters
Uncirculated examples or those with higher grades (especially MS65 and above) can command prices between $5,000 and $15,000 or more. Even worn examples can sell for $700–$2,000.
How to Identify a 1909-S VDB Penny
If you’re looking through your change or a jar of old coins, here’s what to look for:
1. Date: 1909
This is the first clue, but it’s only the beginning. Not all 1909 pennies are valuable.
2. Mintmark: “S”
Look just below the date on the front (obverse) of the coin. If you see a tiny “S”, it means it was minted in San Francisco—the rare version.
3. Initials: V.D.B.
Flip the coin to the back (reverse). Look at the bottom center between the two wheat stalks. If the initials “V.D.B.” are present, that’s your jackpot combo.
A true 1909-S VDB has:
- 1909 date
- “S” mintmark below the date
- “V.D.B.” on the reverse bottom center
All three must be present. If one is missing, it’s a different (and less valuable) variety.
Tools to Help You Confirm a Find
- Magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (10x recommended)
- Coin scale: Authentic Lincoln cents weigh about 3.11 grams
- Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) for reference
- Online resources like PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer
If you find something that matches all three criteria, do not clean it, and consider getting it graded professionally.
Where Do These Coins Still Turn Up?
It might seem like all 1909-S VDBs are already in collections—but surprisingly, some still surface in unexpected places:
1. Old Coin Jars
People often stash coins for years, even decades. It’s not uncommon to find early 20th-century pennies in family coin jars.
2. Estate Sales
Inherited collections may be sold or spent without realizing their value. A 1909-S VDB could accidentally be spent as a regular penny.
3. Bank Rolls
Some collectors hunt “penny rolls” from banks, hoping to score wheat cents or even rarities like the 1909-S VDB. It’s a long shot—but not impossible.
4. Pocket Change (Rarely)
While it’s unlikely, there are still stories of people finding rare coins in circulation. Even if not a 1909-S VDB, other valuable wheat pennies can still turn up.
Real-Life Stories of Big Finds
The Pocket Change Surprise
A young coin enthusiast in Michigan was sorting through his grandfather’s old change collection and found a 1909-S VDB in a worn coin pouch. It graded VF-30 and sold at auction for over $4,200.
The Garage Sale Jackpot
At a garage sale, a man bought a bag of old coins for $15. Inside? A nearly uncirculated 1909-S VDB penny, authenticated by PCGS and auctioned for $12,000.
How to Protect Your Find
If you suspect you’ve found a 1909-S VDB penny:
- Do not clean it. Even a soft rub can destroy thousands in value.
- Store it in a coin flip or capsule.
- Have it authenticated by a top grading service:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Getting your coin graded gives it a certified value and makes it easier to sell or auction later.
Market Value and Trends
Prices for the 1909-S VDB have steadily climbed over the decades. As more are tucked into private collections, supply on the market shrinks, pushing prices higher.
- Good (G-4): $700–$1,200
- Fine (F-12): $1,400–$2,000
- Extra Fine (XF-40): $2,500–$3,500
- Uncirculated (MS-60 and up): $5,000–$15,000+
In recent years, pristine examples with red luster and full details have shattered price records, fetching upwards of $20,000 in premium auctions.
Final Thoughts – Is It Still Out There?
While the odds are slim, the answer is yes—a 1909-S VDB penny could still be in circulation. Coin jars, inherited collections, forgotten coffee cans in attics—they’re all places where treasures like this still hide.
The real magic of coin collecting is that it turns ordinary moments—like counting your change—into the possibility of discovering history worth thousands of dollars.
So next time you reach into your pocket or crack open a piggy bank, take a closer look.
Because that little copper coin you’ve been ignoring?
It just might be worth $15,000.
