Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $168K: If you’ve ever been interested in collecting old coins or wanted to learn about their history, you’ve probably heard of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny. This is no ordinary coin, but a dream for coin collectors. What makes it unique is not just its age or design, but its rarity which makes it almost impossible to find today.
In this article, we will know why this coin is so special, how much it can cost, and what things to keep in mind if you get this coin.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Penny so special?
The year 1909 was a historic year in coin production for the US, because for the first time a US coin had a picture of a president printed on it—and that was Abraham Lincoln. Earlier US coins had symbolic designs. This special Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials “VDB” were imprinted on the back of the coin.
Now the “S” means that this coin was made at the San Francisco Mint. This is what makes it different from others. According to estimates, only 484,000 such coins were made that had both the “S” and “VDB” symbols. When you compare this figure to the millions of coins that are made every year, this number seems very small.
Beware of fake coins
Wherever there is rarity and money, there is bound to be fraud. The same is the case with the 1909-S VDB Penny. The demand and value of this coin is so high that many fraudsters have made fake copies of it.
Some fake coins are made so meticulously that it becomes difficult for a common man to differentiate between real and fake. To identify a real coin, one has to pay attention to small things like the position of the “S”, the location of “VDB” and the distance between the letters.
If you ever feel that you have this rare coin, then definitely check its authenticity from a professional organization like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
How much is it worth?
The price of this coin depends on its condition. Even if the coin is very worn, it can still be worth hundreds of dollars. But if it is in good condition, its price can reach thousands of dollars. And if it is a brand new, unused, shiny coin (called “Mint State”), then its price can be much more than you can imagine.
For example—In April 2022, a 1909-S VDB Penny that received an MS67RD grade (meaning it was new and its color was red) was sold for $168,000 at auction. Imagine, a small one-cent coin sold for millions!
Do you also have this coin?
If you collect old coins or have ever sifted through your grandparents’ old things, then take a close look once. This small coin hidden in an old box, box, or wallet can bring great news for you.
If you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny, first see if the year 1909 is written on it or not. Then see if there is an “S” mark on it or not. And most importantly—is “VDB” written on the back of the coin? If all three things match, you may have that rare coin.
Conclusion: A common-looking coin, but a priceless treasure
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a coin, but a symbol of history, art and rarity. Its limited number, imprint of the designer’s name and the specialty of being minted in San Francisco make it one of the most valuable and prestigious coins of America.
If you are lucky and get hold of this coin, then consider yourself to be a treasure. Just remember—be sure to get it certified before selling or storing, so that you do not become a victim of any fraud.
FAQs on Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $168K
Q. What is the highest price a 1909-S VDB Penny has fetched?
A. In April 2022, an MS67RD graded coin was auctioned for $168,000.
Q. What do “S” and “VDB” mean?
A. “S” means the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint and “VDB” are the initials of coin designer Victor David Brenner.
Q. If I have this coin, what should I do?
A. First get it authenticated by a professional organization like PCGS or NGC and then assess its value.
