Rare 1909 S Vdb Penny| Priced At $800 And Rising!

Why the 1909-S VDB Penny Is So Special

In the world of coin collecting, certain rare coins have become widely known for their value and scarcity. Among them is the 1943 bronze cent, as well as the 1804 silver dollar. However, one coin that consistently grabs attention is the 1909-S VDB penny, a true rarity in the world of coin enthusiasts.

Here’s why the 1909-S VDB penny continues to be so highly regarded:

• It has a relatively low mintage of only 484,000 coins.
• It is part of one of the most popular coin series, the Lincoln cents.
• The intriguing history behind the coin adds to its allure.

Let’s explore the story behind this coin and why it remains such a sought-after item today.

What Makes the 1909-S VDB Penny So Special?

The 1909-S VDB penny stands out primarily because of the initials found on the reverse side of the coin. “V.D.B.” stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. These initials were initially placed near the bottom rim of the coin, just below the wheat stalks.

At first, the public did not like the large, obvious placement of Brenner’s initials on the coin, and a backlash ensued. As a result, the U.S. Mint quickly stopped producing pennies with the V.D.B. initials. This led to a significantly lower number of these coins being made. Because of this, the 1909-S VDB penny quickly became one of the most coveted coins on collectors’ lists.

The “S” under the date refers to the mint mark, signifying that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint.

Although the Lincoln cent was popular when it first debuted, the prominence of Brenner’s initials drew criticism for being too noticeable. Responding to the complaints, the Mint removed the initials entirely. However, millions of 1909 VDB pennies had already been produced before the change was made.

Although the vast majority of 1909 VDB pennies were minted in Philadelphia, only 484,000 were struck in San Francisco, making the 1909-S VDB penny much rarer than its counterparts.

With the Lincoln cent being a highly popular series, the demand for the 1909-S VDB penny became clear. It’s now considered one of the most prized and relatively scarce coins among modern U.S. issues.

1909-S VDB Penny Value

The 1909-S VDB penny ranks as one of the most expensive regular-issue rarities in U.S. coinage. Its value has consistently risen over the years, making it a strong investment for coin collectors.

A 1909-S VDB penny in Good condition can be worth between $700 and $800. In higher, uncirculated grades, the coin’s value can reach over $1,800.

Even badly worn or damaged examples can still fetch a significant amount, sometimes around $300 or more on platforms like eBay or through coin dealers. While these damaged coins may not be perfect for serious collectors, they can serve as affordable fillers for less discerning collectors.

When investing in rare coins like the 1909-S VDB penny, it’s always best to aim for specimens without major flaws to maximize potential returns.

The 1909-S VDB Penny’s Legacy

The controversial initials on the 1909-S VDB penny were absent from the coin until 1918. In that year, the V.D.B. initials were reintroduced, though in much smaller lettering on the obverse, beneath Lincoln’s bust.

Today, these initials are still present, but they are so small that they often require a magnifying glass to be seen clearly.

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