1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Wheat Cent: Few coins capture collectors’ imaginations like the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Wheat Cent. This humble penny, born from controversy and produced in minuscule quantities, has become the crown jewel of Lincoln cent collections and a fascinating chapter in U.S. minting history.
A Coin That Changed American Numismatics
When the first Lincoln cents debuted in 1909 to commemorate the 16th president’s 100th birthday, they made history as the first U.S. circulating coins to feature a real person’s portrait. Designed by Lithuanian immigrant Victor David Brenner, the coin’s simple elegance hid brewing controversy. Mint Director Frank Leach had approved Brenner’s initials (V.D.B.) at the reverse base, but public outcry over the prominent signature led Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeigh to order their removal just days after release.
The San Francisco Mint had barely begun production when the order came through. In those few precious days, only 484,000 examples of the 1909-S V.D.B. were struck – making it instantly the rarest regular-issue Lincoln cent. By comparison, Philadelphia produced over 27 million V.D.B. cents that year before switching to the modified design.
Why Collectors Prize the 1909-S V.D.B.
Several factors make this coin exceptional:
Scarcity Meets Popularity: As the first coin in America’s longest-running series and bearing both a coveted mintmark (S) and the removed V.D.B. initials, it checks all the boxes for collectors. While not the rarest Lincoln cent by survival estimates, it remains the most famous key date.
Condition Rarity: Unlike many early 20th century coins that circulated heavily, significant numbers of 1909-S V.D.B. cents were saved as novelties. This means high-grade examples exist, though they command astronomical premiums.
Market Performance: The coin’s value trajectory tells a remarkable story:
- 1936: Sold for 30¢ in dealer ads
- 1960: Jumped to $300 in Mint State
- 2025: Top specimens exceed $100,000
Recent auction highlights include:
- A PCGS MS67RD that realized $345,375 in 2023
- Multiple examples breaking six figures in Heritage Auctions sales
Identifying Authentic Examples
With such value at stake, authentication is crucial. Genuine 1909-S V.D.B. cents show:
- Clear, parallel serifs in the “S” mintmark
- Angled bases on the V.D.B. letters
- Sharp details in Lincoln’s portrait and wheat stalks
- Proper weight (3.11g) and diameter (19mm)
Only four obverse dies were used, making die studies an important authentication tool. Counterfeits often fail to replicate the precise mintmark placement and letter styles.
Collecting Strategies
For those pursuing this numismatic grail:
- Budget Considerations
- Worn examples start around $600
- Mint State specimens range from $1,000 to six figures
- Certification Importance
Always purchase certified examples from PCGS or NGC, especially for higher-grade coins - Eye Appeal Matters
Original red color (RD designation) commands significant premiums over brown (BN) examples
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond its monetary value, the 1909-S V.D.B. represents multiple firsts: the inaugural Lincoln cent, the first branch mint issue in the series, and the coin that popularized mintmark collecting. Its brief production window and subsequent fame make it a perfect storm of numismatic desirability.
As coin expert Q. David Bowers notes, “No other modern coin so perfectly combines historical significance, collector demand, and investment potential.” Whether you’re a Lincoln cent specialist or a casual collector, the 1909-S V.D.B. remains the series’ most iconic issue – a penny that’s truly priceless.
Coin Specifications
- Years of Issue: 1909 only
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 484,000
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19mm
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
