The 1909 VDB penny, one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics, holds a fascinating story. Its creation is tied to a controversy and a major mistake by the U.S. Mint that only added to the penny’s allure.
Here’s what makes the 1909 VDB penny so valuable and why collectors are willing to pay a premium for this rare piece of history.
The Origin of the 1909 VDB Penny
The 1909 VDB penny was the first Lincoln cent to feature the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. It was designed by Victor David Brenner, a well-known medalist who had already gained attention for his bas-relief of Lincoln.
President Theodore Roosevelt, who had strong opinions about American coin designs, wanted a more inspiring and artistic depiction of an American figure on the nation’s currency to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday.
Brenner’s design was selected for the new penny, but his initials “VDB” were placed on the reverse of the coin, something that caused a public outcry.
The Mint had not intended for Brenner’s initials to be so prominent on such an important piece of American currency. In response to the backlash, the U.S. Mint decided to remove the initials within a few weeks of the coin’s release.
Why Is the 1909 VDB Penny So Valuable?
The 1909 VDB penny’s rarity and value stem primarily from the controversy surrounding Brenner’s initials.
When the initial batch of pennies was released, many were hoarded due to the public belief that the coins would be recalled. This added to the demand for these pennies, and as a result, the 1909 VDB penny became a collectible treasure almost immediately.
Several factors contribute to the value of the 1909 VDB penny, with its condition being one of the most important. The grading system for the coin, as explained by numismatics experts, classifies the penny in various grades:
- Uncirculated – This grade refers to pennies that have never been in circulation and retain all the sharp details, including distinct lines in Lincoln’s hair and full separation of features. These coins are the most valuable.
- Extra Fine – These coins show slight wear, particularly in the finer details like Lincoln’s curls, but still retain a good amount of detail.
- Fine – In this grade, the penny has been heavily worn, and details like Lincoln’s curls and the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” may be difficult to distinguish.
- Good – This is the lowest grade, where most of the fine details are worn away, but the overall design is still visible.
Types of 1909 VDB Pennies
The 1909 VDB penny comes in different types based on where it was minted, and the value can vary significantly depending on the mintmark and condition:
- Philadelphia Mint VDB (With Initials): These pennies are worth around $3 or more depending on condition.
- Philadelphia Mint (No Initials): Some 1909 pennies were produced without Brenner’s initials, and they are valued starting at around $1.
- San Francisco Mint VDB (With Initials): These coins are the most valuable, with genuine specimens often fetching hundreds of dollars.
- San Francisco Mint (No Initials): This version is worth at least $50 or more, depending on condition.
- San Francisco Mint with Double Struck S: A mint error where the “S” mintmark is double-struck, adding value to these pennies, with prices starting at $60.
High-Value 1909 VDB Pennies
Some of the rarest and most valuable 1909 VDB pennies are proof coins, particularly those with the “red” designation, indicating that the coin has retained its original color and luster.
Fewer than 200 of these proof coins remain, and they can fetch between $5,000 and $25,000 at auction. Red proof coins are the highest grade and can sometimes bring even more, with some examples selling for over $150,000.
Another extremely rare and valuable variant is the 1909-S VDB penny, which is often considered the holy grail of Lincoln cent collectors. If you happen to own one of these pennies, it could be worth a small fortune depending on its condition, sometimes fetching tens of thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
The 1909 VDB penny’s historical significance, rarity, and association with a numismatic controversy make it a highly sought-after coin among collectors. Whether you have a penny in mint condition, a rare proof coin, or an S mintmark variety, owning a 1909 VDB penny can be a lucrative treasure.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1909 VDB penny so valuable?
The 1909 VDB penny is valuable due to its rarity and the controversy surrounding the placement of Victor Brenner’s initials. The U.S. Mint quickly removed the initials, and only a limited number of coins with the VDB mark were ever produced.
2. What does “VDB” stand for on the penny?
“VDB” represents the initials of Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent, which caused public outcry when it appeared on the reverse side of the coin.
3. How can I determine the value of my 1909 VDB penny?
The value of a 1909 VDB penny depends on its condition, mintmark, and whether it has Brenner’s initials. Coins in better condition and those with rare mintmarks like “S” tend to be more valuable.
4. How can I tell if my 1909 penny is the VDB version?
Look for the initials “VDB” on the reverse side, below the ribbon. If the initials are missing, it may be a regular 1909 penny or a 1909 penny minted after the initials were removed.
5. What are some of the rarest and most valuable 1909 VDB pennies?
The rarest and most valuable 1909 VDB pennies are those graded in “red” proof condition and the 1909-S VDB penny. Some red proof coins have sold for over $150,000, and the 1909-S VDB can fetch tens of thousands of dollars depending on its grade.
