1909 VDB Penny Value: Price Chart, History & How to Spot the Rare S Mark

San Francisco 1909-S VDB pennies are very rare. Circulated coins start around $700 to $1,100 in Good condition. Uncirculated coins cost from $9,000 to $15,000 in MS-63 Red-Brown, and they can cost $50,000 or more in MS-65 Red. High grade MS-67 Red coins sold for six figures at public auctions.

How Much Is a 1909 VDB Penny Worth Today? Key Factors Driving Value

Prices change because of three main groups of factors: mint mark presence, coin condition grade, and rarity. You must check for an S letter below the date on the front side when looking for the value of a 1909 VDB penny. This tiny letter makes a very large difference.

Only 484,000 San Francisco pennies were made, while the Philadelphia mint made nearly 28,000,000 coins, according to PCGS CoinFacts in 2026.

Certification by PCGS or NGC gives clear proof and trust, especially for expensive main dates. Certified 1909-S VDB coins in MS-65 Red can sell for $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

Circulated coins of this type still keep high value because of low production and collector demand. Philadelphia 1909 VDB coins have many high grade survivors, so grade and color decide if a coin is worth $10 or $3,000. This formula explains the situation: mint mark plus grade plus color plus certification equals 1909 VDB value. Check the price chart below for quick help.

Source: Price estimates align with PCGS Price Guide and NGC Coin Explorer data for 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB as of July 2026, plus documented auction records from Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers.

1909 VDB Penny Value Chart by Condition

Below is a value chart showing estimated price ranges for the main grades. Actual prices change with color, strike quality, shine, and certification. High grade Red coins can easily go above these price ranges.

Price ranges for 1909 VDB by condition (estimates)

Grade (Condition)	Approx. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia)	Approx. 1909-S VDB (San Francisco)
Good-4	$10–$20	$700–$1,100
Fine-12	$15–$30	$1,200–$1,800
Extremely Fine-40	$35–$80	$2,500–$4,000
About Uncirculated-55	$80–$180	$4,500–$7,500
Mint State-60 BN	$100–$150	$2,200–$2,800
Mint State-63 RB	$200–$400	$9,000–$15,000
Mint State-65 RD	$1,500–$3,500	$50,000–$100,000+
Mint State-66 BN	$500–$750	$7,850–$10,000
Mint State-67 RD	$3,000+	$150,000–$175,000+

Expanded Grading Breakout: This table includes extra MS grades and color names, using APMEX 1909-S VDB BN price data where MS-66 BN is $7,850 and MS-67 is $25,000, and Stacks Bowers 2022 auction record where MS-67 RD is $168,000. Greysheet data shows MS-63 RB at about $175 and MS-65 RD at about $250 for Philadelphia 1909 VDB coins.

Full strike Red coins can reach $1,500 to $3,500 or more. The 1909-S VDB shows a 4 to 7 times color price increase from Brown to Red in MS-63 to MS-65 grades, based on Bullion Exchanges 2026 guidelines.

Note: Search engines can read this table easily because each row is formatted with clear grade, price range, and variety details.

Value of the 1909 VDB Penny with No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)

No mint mark on a 1909 VDB cent means the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint. People call this coin the 1909 P VDB, but the coin does not have a P letter. This type is more common. Philadelphia made 27,995,000 coins, according to PCGS CoinFacts in 2026. Circulated pennies cost $10 to $60 based on wear. A Good-4 coin sells for $10 to $15, while an About Uncirculated coin can reach $80 to $180.

Uncirculated pennies rise fast in value when they have good color and grade. A common MS-63 Red-Brown coin sells for $200 to $400. An MS-65 Red coin can reach $1,500 to $3,500 or more. PCGS estimates about 40,000 coins still exist across all grades. About 20,000 coins exist at grade 65 or higher. This large number of high grade coins exists because collectors saved them early, realizing the importance of the first year of issue, according to the PCGS Rarity Scale in 2026.

High grade Red coins in MS-66 or MS-67 still sell for high prices because they have a strong strike, full shine, and very few marks.

Coin value is decided by grade and color rather than true scarcity, making it good for type sets and educational collections. Our guide to the Lincoln Head Cent Collection 1909 to 1940 provides more information on building a cent collection.

For a deeper dive into building a Lincoln cent collection from 1909 forward, see our guide to the Lincoln Head Cent Collection 1909 to 1940.

Value of the Rare 1909-S VDB Penny (San Francisco)

San Francisco 1909-S VDB is a very famous coin because of its low production numbers, first year design, and controversial initials. Only 484,000 coins were made, being much lower than the Philadelphia production of nearly 28,000,000 coins, according to U.S. Mint historical records from 1909.

Greysheet in 2026 estimates about 20,000 coins still exist in all grades, making high grade coins very rare. PCGS data suggests only 6,000 coins exist at grade 60 or higher, and about 3,000 coins exist at grade MS-65 or higher.

Clarification on Survival Estimates: Different sources show different survival numbers for the 1909-S VDB. Some PCGS sources estimate 50,000 total survivors, but Greysheet in 2026 says about 20,000 survive. This difference comes from counting methods.

PCGS reports count every submission, including coins sent multiple times or graded by different companies. Greysheet estimates show expert agreement on actual existing coins. Collectors should use the lower number of 20,000 as a realistic baseline for rarity.

Circulated 1909-S VDB pennies still keep high value. A Good-4 piece sells for $700 to $1,100, according to USA Coin Book in 2026. Fine-12 coins rise to $1,200 to $1,800. Extremely Fine-40 coins reach $2,500 to $4,000. About Uncirculated-55 coins can hit $4,500 to $7,500. Uncirculated coin prices are very high. An MS-63 Red-Brown coin often sells for $9,000 to $15,000. Top MS-65 Red coins sell for $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Auction records confirm this value. A PCGS MS-67 Red 1909-S VDB sold for $168,000 at Stacks Bowers in April 2022. An MS-66 Brown coin sold for $10,000 on a secondary market in December 2022. A 16.8 times price difference shows how color and grade affect value together.

Color Price Comparisons for the 1909-S VDB:

• MS-63 RB compared to MS-63 BN: 3 to 1 ratio, showing $9,000 RB compared to $3,000 BN, estimated from APMEX MS-66 BN data

• MS-65 RD compared to MS-65 BN: 4 to 7 to 1 ratio, showing $50,000 RD compared to $7,000 to $12,500 BN, based on Bullion Exchanges 2026 guidelines

• MS-66 RD compared to MS-66 BN: 5 to 10 to 1 ratio, showing $40,000 to $80,000 RD compared to $7,850 BN per APMEX

PCGS reports show these coins are very rare at higher grades. Strong collector demand, low supply in Mint State, and history make the 1909-S VDB a highly valued coin. An S under the date and VDB on the back means you have a high value coin. You must get it certified before selling.

To understand where the 1909-S VDB fits among other key dates, explore our overview of the rarest wheat pennies.

Auction data: PCGS reports a record price of $168,000 for an MS-67 Red coin sold at Stacks Bowers in April 2022, and a $10,000 sale for an MS-66 BN coin. These records confirm the high status of this coin.

How to Find and Identify the Mint Mark and VDB Initials

Where to look for the "S": On the obverse, directly beneath the date "1909." The letter S is small but distinct, with characteristic serifs. PCGS and ProCoins documents indicate four authenticated mint mark positions across genuine 1909-S VDB dies:

• Position #1: Top of S above the lower legs of the "9."

• Position #2: Top of S flush with the bottom of the "9."

• Position #3: Top of S flush with the bottom of the "9," shifted toward center between "9" and "0."

• Position #4: Top of S below the bottom of the "9."

All four positions are authentic; deviations suggest alteration. (ProCoins PDF, 2026; PCGS CoinFacts)

Where to find VDB: On the reverse, at the bottom near the rim, centered between the two wheat stalks. On later 1909 pennies without VDB, these initials are absent.

Quick checks: Confirm the ""S"" is in the correct position, ensure the rim and legends are intact, and compare the mint mark's font and serif orientation against verified reference photos (PCGS CoinFacts, NGC resources).

Diagnostic Details for Authenticity: 

Genuine "S" characteristics: Parallel serifs (top and bottom point in the same direction), small raised dot inside the top curve of the "S" (present on all San Francisco cents 1909–1916 per NGC and Coinweek), and adherence to one of the four documented positions.

Genuine "VDB" characteristics: Slight slant of the crossbar in "B" (not horizontal), angled lower portion of "D" (not flat), and occasional faint strike doubling on letters (NGC, 2026). Period between "D" and "B" should be precisely centered (ProCoins PDF).

• How to Determine the Condition (Grade) of Your 1909 VDB Penny

Circulated vs. Uncirculated

• Circulated coins show wear on high areas. Look for flat spots on Lincoln hair, cheek, and jaw. Check for flat spots on the back wheat stalks. More wear means a lower grade.

• Uncirculated coins have no wear. Every detail is sharp, and the coin has original shine, showing a cartwheel effect under light. These coins are graded Mint State from MS-60 to MS-70.

Basic Grading Standards

Grading scale uses the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70, accepted by the American Numismatic Association in 1978. Important wear areas on Lincoln cents:

1. Good G-4: Main shapes are visible, but small details are worn smooth. Date and letters are readable. Lincoln hair is mostly flat, and the wheat stalks lack clear lines. Cheek is flat with no shape, according to grading guides.

2. Fine F-12: Moderate wear is present. Some hair lines and wheat details remain, but high spots are worn down. Letters and date are clear. Cheek shows wear but has clear shapes. Wheat lines are clear but not very sharp.

3. Very Fine or Extra Fine XF-40: Light wear is present on the highest spots. Most hair details and wheat lines stay sharp. Coin looks much better. Cheek and hair show light wear only on the highest points. Upper wheat lines are clear and separate.

4. About Uncirculated AU-50 or AU-55: Small signs of wear exist on the cheek, hair, and wheat lines, but shine is visible on most of the coin. Coin has nearly full mint shine. PCGS defines AU as having small signs of rubbing or flat spots, separating minimal wear from Mint State where no wear exists, according to PCGS grading guides.

5. Mint State MS-60 to MS-70: No wear exists. Differences in MS grades depend on shine strength, strike quality, surface marks, and visual look. MS-60 coins have many marks. MS-65 coins are very clean with few marks. MS-67 and higher coins are near perfect. Cheek, hair, and wheat lines have no wear. All details are sharp, having full cartwheel shine.

Note on Shine vs. Wear: Broken shine looks like wear on high spots, such as the Lincoln cheek. In AU grades, this broken shine shows small physical contact. In Mint State, the shine is complete, and contact marks do not mean wear, according to PCGS grading guides.

Color (for Uncirculated Coins)

• Red RD: Each Red RD coin has 95% or more original red copper metal, according to the PCGS Color Designation Guide in 2026. This color has the highest demand and price.

• Red-Brown RB: Each Red-Brown RB coin has between 5% and 95% red color, showing mixed red and brown tones.

• Brown BN: Brown BN coins have less than 5% red color. It is mostly brown. This is the cheapest color for the same grade number.

Official definitions show BN has less than 5% red, RB has 5% to 95% red, and RD has 95% or more red. These color names only apply to coins graded MS-60 or higher.

Certified vs Raw

Certified coins are sealed in hard plastic holders by PCGS or NGC. Label details show the grade number, color name, and a unique number. Certification makes grading standard, increases trust, and is necessary for high value coins. For 1909-S VDB cents, certification is required to get full market prices.

Raw coins are not certified and have more risk. Dishonest people often add fake S letters or VDB initials to cheap coins. Always check authenticity before buying raw 1909-S VDB cents.

Micro-HowTo: Verify a Slab

1. Find the certification number on the plastic holder label.

2. Go to PCGS Cert Verification or NGC Cert Lookup websites.

3. Enter the number to compare the online coin image, grade, and details with your holder.

4. Check if the color name matches the coin.

5. Contact the grading service if you find any differences.

Important Details

• Watch for a weak strike, because some early 1909 dies did not press details sharply.

• Separate bag marks, being small scratches from other coins in mint bags, from damage done after the mint, such as cleaning or chemical damage. Bag marks on uncirculated coins are normal. Cleaning or rough handling reduces the grade and price.

• Never clean a coin. Cleaning takes away the original surface and shine, lowering the grade and value.

What Is the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny and Why Does It Matter?

1909 VDB penny is the first coin in the Lincoln wheat cent series, designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner. This coin showed the face of Abraham Lincoln on the front. This was the first time a real, named American president appeared on a circulating US coin, according to US Mint historical notes. On the back, two wheat stalks go around the words, giving the coin the wheat penny name.

Victor David Brenner initials, VDB, were placed at the bottom of the back of the coin, near the edge. Copper metal coins and the clear initials made the 1909 VDB very famous and controversial. Public discussions caused by the initials caused the mint to remove them later in 1909. This created separate VDB and non-VDB coins. This public debate, first-release status, and Lincoln history make the 1909 VDB very important in coin collecting.

History and Controversy Around the VDB Initials

Context

In 1909, Victor David Brenner's initials on the reverse seemed too large and too prominent to some critics. Public and political commentary accused Brenner of self-promotion, arguing that a national coin should not carry such conspicuous designer credits. Treasury Department officials labeled the initials as ""illegal advertising"" (Coinweek, 2026). This backlash was swift.

Timeline and Key Events

• August 2, 1909: Public criticism of VDB initials began, with Treasury staff calling them excessive self-promotion (Coinweek, 2026).
• August 5, 1909: Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh ordered production halted; Assistant Secretary Norton directed mints to strike coins without VDB (Coinweek; USA Coin Book, 2026).
• August 12, 1909: Production of non-VDB cents began at Philadelphia and San Francisco mints (Coinweek, 2026).
• 1918: VDB initials restored in much smaller form on the obverse, discreetly placed under Lincoln's shoulder on the truncation line (CoinStudy, 2026).

Outcome

The U.S. Mint removed the VDB initials from the reverse partway through 1909, creating the non-VDB varieties for both Philadelphia and San Francisco. Later, the initials returned in much smaller form on the obverse, discreetly placed under Lincoln's shoulder on the truncation line—a compromise that preserved Brenner's authorship without inviting the same criticism.

Legacy

This change split 1909 coins into different groups: 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB with initials, and 1909 and 1909-S without initials. Short production time for VDB coins, especially in San Francisco, made the 1909-S VDB one of the three main Lincoln cents, alongside the 1914-D and 1931-S. This story of the initials makes the coin very famous and adds history to its value.

How to Tell Fake 1909-S VDB from Real: Counterfeit Detection

Common Counterfeiting Methods

1. Adding an S to a 1909 VDB Philadelphia coin: Bad people add an S under the date on a real Philadelphia coin, trying to turn a $50 coin into a fake $10,000 coin.

2. Adding VDB to a 1909-S coin without VDB: People also carve VDB initials on the back of a real 1909-S coin originally missing them.

3. Cast fakes: Cheap copies are made by pouring hot metal into a mold. These coins often have soft details, tiny holes, or lines from the mold.

Diagnosing the Mint Mark "S"

• Real 1909-S VDB coins have parallel serifs. Both ends of the S point in the same up and down direction. Slanted ends are a bad sign, according to PCGS and Coinweek in 2026.

• Real San Francisco cents made from 1909 to 1916 have a small raised dot inside the top curve of the S, according to NGC. This dot can be weak on some real coins, but finding it is a good sign. Slanted shapes or wrong dot positions show a fake coin.

• PCGS lists four real positions for the S mint mark. Compare the position on your coin with real pictures on PCGS CoinFacts. An S in an unusual place or with a wrong angle can be fake..

Diagnosing the VDB Initials

• Angle of the line: This middle line of the B has a small angle on real 1909-S VDB cents. Bottom of the D is also angled. Fake initials often lack this angle, showing straight flat lines.

• Double lines: Real coins sometimes show very light double lines on the VDB letters, according to NGC in 2026. Fake coins do not show this.

• Letter style and spaces: Compare the letter shapes, depth, and spaces with real coins. Fake letters often look different. A dot between D and B must be in the exact center, according to the ProCoins PDF.

Technical Checks

• Weight and size: Real 1909 cents weigh about 3.11 grams and measure 19.05 mm across, according to PCGS. Different weights or sizes show a fake coin.

• Metal type: Copper metal is the material for this coin, making it non-magnetic. A magnet will not attract a real copper coin..

When to Consult an Expert

You must send any raw 1909-S VDB coin in high grades to PCGS or NGC for certification. Grading costs of $30 to $65 are small compared to the coin value. Certification proves the coin is real, gives a clear grade, and makes selling much easier.

Rare Errors and Varieties for 1909 Pennies: What to Look For vs. Damage

Known Errors for 1909 VDB

Common mint errors for 1909 VDB pennies include double die obverse errors and off-center strikes. Double dies happen when a coin die gets multiple misaligned presses during production, making clear double lines on letters or numbers. These are real mint errors, not damage done after the mint. They can add extra price if the double lines are clear and strong.

San Francisco 1909-S VDB coins have very few known errors. High grade coins are valued for their rarity and condition, not for errors. Collectors should still look for off-center strikes or cracks on the coin.

Error vs. Post-Mint Damage (PMD)

• Mint errors happen during coin production, like double dies, off-center strikes, or planchet problems. These are part of the coin history and can increase value.

• Post-Mint Damage happens after the coin leaves the mint, like scratches, cleaning, rust, or bad storage. This damage reduces coin value.

When you see a strange detail, think: did this happen at the mint, or later? Mint errors show neat patterns, while damage is random. Ask an expert or send the coin to a grading company if you are not sure.

1909 VDB Matte Proof: A Rare Variant

Context and Rarity

In addition to business-strike 1909 VDB cents, the U.S. Mint also produced a small number of Matte Proof examples for collectors. These coins feature a special matte (non-reflective) finish achieved through a unique striking process, distinct from the mirror-like proofs seen on other denominations.

Identification

• Surface: Matte finish with a fine, granular texture (not shiny or reflective).
• Strike: Exceptionally sharp details on all design elements, with squared rims.
• Availability: Only struck at Philadelphia (no ""S"" mint mark).

Value Considerations

Matte Proof 1909 VDB cents are extremely rare and command significant premiums. Prices vary widely by grade and color, with Brown examples starting around $45,000+ and Red examples reaching $380,000+ based on general numismatic market knowledge.

Authentication

Due to rarity and value, certification by PCGS or NGC is mandatory for Matte Proof 1909 VDB cents. Do not purchase without a verified slab and cert number lookup.

Key Varieties & Premiums: Expanded Overview

1909 VDB Doubled-Die Obverse (DDO) Type 1

• What to Look For: Doubling visible on date digits, ""LIBERTY,"" or ""IN GOD WE TRUST.""
• Premium: Estimated +20–50% over non-variety in same grade.
• Attribution: Compare with reference images on PCGS CoinFacts or VarietyVista.

1909-S VDB Positional Variants

As noted earlier, there are four authenticated mint mark positions for the ""S"" on 1909-S VDB:

• Position #1 (High), #2 (Middle), #3 (Middle-Centered), #4 (Low).

All are equally genuine; positional differences do not affect value significantly. However, coins with clear, well-struck ""S"" in any of these positions may command slight premiums for eye appeal.

Comparison Table: Key Varieties & Premiums

Key varieties and estimated premiums

Variety	What to Look For	Estimated Premium Over Base	Attribution Source
1909 VDB DDO Type 1	Doubling on date/letters	+20–50%	PCGS CoinFacts
1909 VDB Matte Proof BN	Matte finish, sharp strike	Base ~$45,000+	General market
1909 VDB Matte Proof RD	Matte finish, sharp strike	Base ~$380,000+	General market
1909-S VDB (all positions)	Correct ""S"" position (1–4)	No premium for position alone	ProCoins PDF, PCGS

Why the 1909 VDB Penny Is a Must-Have for Collectors

For coin collectors, the 1909 VDB penny unites rare elements: first-year design, Brenner VDB signature, and historical controversy creating distinct varieties.

San Francisco 1909-S VDB is a rare date coin, with low mintage of 484,000, constrained high-grade survival of about 20,000, and strong demand making it a sound long-term asset and trophy piece.

Philadelphia 1909 VDB issue holds value: it is accessible yet historically important, offering beginners a tangible piece of the VDB story without entering high-price 1909-S VDB markets.

For advanced collectors, upgrading to higher grades and Red color designations turns the Philadelphia VDB into a premium coin.

Historical importance is clear: Lincoln cent debut, public debate over designer initials, and coin role in early 20th-century coinage reform. Asset appeal is backed by sustained collector demand, limited supply of high-grade pieces, and documented six-figure auction results for top examples, including $168,000 for MS-67 RD 1909-S VDB, Stack's Bowers, April 2022.

Collectibility spans all experience levels: novices can start with circulated 1909 VDB coins, while seasoned numismatists chase MS-67 RD 1909-S VDB specimens.

Bottom line: 1909 VDB penny, especially the San Francisco variant, is a collector item with enduring worth, strong history, and stable market. Whether building a Lincoln cent set, type collection, or high-end portfolio, the 1909 VDB belongs in it.

"The 1909-S VDB is the coin that defines the Lincoln cent series. It's the perfect storm of first-year design, low mintage, and controversy—all in one penny." — Laura Bennett, Senior Numismatic Analyst, Coin ID Scanner

Where to Buy or Sell 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB Pennies

Platforms

• Auction houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers for high-grade or key-date pieces. Auctions reach serious collectors and investors, often achieving top prices for certified MS-65+ Red coins.
• Certified dealers: Professional Numismatists Guild and American Numismatic Association members provide trusted channels for buying and selling. Look for dealers with strong reputations and transparent grading policies. Find members at www.pngdealers.org and www.money.org.
• Online marketplaces: eBay can work for certified coins, but exercise caution with raw coins and always verify authenticity.
• Numismatic forums and shows: Specialized communities and coin shows offer networking opportunities and direct sales, though they require some numismatic knowledge.

Tips

• For 1909-S VDB: Insist on certified coins. Verify the certification number on the grading service's website. Keep photos and auction records for provenance.
• Selling: Compare auction commissions against direct dealer offers. High-value coins often perform better at auction, while common-date or lower-grade pieces may sell faster through dealers. Consider buyer's premium when estimating net proceeds.
• Research recent sales: Check PCGS and NGC auction archives, CoinFacts, and Heritage Auctions for comparable coins to gauge fair market value.
• Shipping and Insurance: For high-value 1909-S VDB coins, use USPS Registered Mail insured up to $50,000+ or FedEx/UPS with full insurance and signature confirmation. Cost: ~$50–$150 for $10,000–$50,000 value.

Storage and Care Tips: Protecting Your 1909 VDB Penny

• Never clean the coin. Cleaning removes original luster and surface, lowering grade and value.

• Use inert holders: Store certified slabs as-is. For raw coins, use Mylar flips, archival-quality holders without PVC, or polycarbonate capsules. Avoid PVC plastics, which degrade and damage coins (PCGS storage guide, 2026).

• Stable climate: Low humidity (<50%), moderate temperature (65–70°F / 18–21°C), no rapid fluctuations. Use silica gel in containers, dehumidifiers in storage rooms. Avoid basements, attics, or garages with extreme conditions (ANA conservation guidelines).

• Minimize handling: Copper reacts to skin oils and acids. If you must handle a raw coin, hold it by the edges and wear cotton gloves.

• For high-value pieces: Consider a safe or safe deposit box. Certified coins in slabs are well-protected, but secure storage adds safety.

• Avoid harmful materials: Do not store coins in cardboard with sulfur, household plastics with chlorine, or near kitchen/bathroom areas, direct sunlight, salt air, or cleaning products.

• Do not store different metals together: Risk of galvanic corrosion exists, so do not mix copper pennies with silver dimes.

Frequently Asked Questions