Amidst the jingling of coins in pockets and purses across America, a small fortune may be sitting in plain view: a 1909 Lincoln penny with the initials “VDB.” Though once worth a mere cent, this special issue of the Lincoln cent has become one of the most coveted coins in American numismatic history, potentially worth as much as $94,000 on the secondary market.
A coin that caused a stir from day one
The Lincoln cent was first issued on August 2, 1909, the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The new coin caused an immediate stir. In large cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, there were long lines in front of mints and Treasury buildings as citizens clamored for the new coin.
But within days, there was a scandal. The culprit? Three little letters—”VDB”—are printed at the bottom of the back of the coin. They were the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer. Though intended to be a subtle signature, the U.S. Treasury deemed the letters too prominent and ordered the production of the coin halted just four days after its release.
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From controversy to collector’s dream
After the abrupt stoppage in production, the dies were quickly changed to remove or minimize the VDB initials. Some coins were minted without any initials at all, and others included only a microscopic “B.” This created the short-lived original, an inadvertent rarity.
Of these, the most expensive is the 1909-S VDB cent, which was minted in San Francisco. It weighs 3.11 grams and contains 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Described as pale orange and lemon-yellow in color, mint-condition examples of this coin bear virtually no wear and only faint specks that can be seen under magnification.
Since they are scarce and well preserved, these coins have been selling for as much as $94,000 at auction—a staggering sum for a penny.
Still out there? Maybe
Although most of the remaining 1909-S VDB cents are now in the possession of collectors or stored in coin collections, some are thought to still be circulating in regular use. It’s not out of the question that a forgotten coin in a piggy bank or jar of coins might be one of these rare coins.
To confirm, examine the reverse (tails side) of any 1909 Lincoln cent you can find. If you notice the “VDB” initials at the bottom rim, especially if your coin also features an “S” mint mark below the date on the obverse, you might be in the presence of a true treasure.
Don’t ignore your change
In a time when most coins are spent and discarded without giving them a second thought, the history of the 1909-S VDB penny is a testament to the fact that value and history can quite often be found in the smallest of things. So next time you go to spend that old penny, take a second glance—you might unknowingly be carrying a $94,000 fortune.
