The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most significant coins in U.S. history. It marks the first time a U.S. coin featured the likeness of a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. This historic coin not only revolutionized American numismatics but also remains highly sought after by collectors, especially in its rare varieties.
Whether you’re new to coin collecting or a seasoned numismatist, understanding the history, varieties, value, and grading of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny can help you identify valuable pieces and appreciate the rich story behind this iconic coin.
History of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Prior to this, U.S. coins typically featured allegorical figures like Liberty. President Theodore Roosevelt, a fan of classical art and strong symbolism, wanted to make American coinage more artistic and meaningful. He commissioned sculptor Victor David Brenner to design the new cent.
The result was a bold departure from previous designs. Lincoln’s bust appeared on the obverse (front), while the reverse featured two wheat ears, symbolizing prosperity—thus giving rise to the term “Wheat Penny” or “Wheat Cent.”
Key Varieties of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
There are several notable varieties of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny, and the value can vary dramatically depending on which one you have. The key varieties include:
1. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint)
The initials VDB, for Victor David Brenner, were originally placed prominently on the reverse of the coin. Some critics viewed this as self-promotion, so the initials were quickly removed.
- Mintage: 27,995,000
- Value: $12 to $50 in circulated grades; up to $1,000+ in uncirculated condition
2. 1909 No VDB (Philadelphia Mint)
Later in 1909, the mint removed Brenner’s initials, resulting in the No VDB version.
- Mintage: 72,702,618
- Value: $2 to $25 in circulated grades; $100 to $300+ in uncirculated
3. 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint) – The Holy Grail
This is the most famous and valuable variety. Only 484,000 were minted before the initials were removed, making it one of the rarest Lincoln cents in existence.
- Mintage: 484,000
- Value: $750 to $1,500 in low grades; $3,000 to $10,000+ in uncirculated condition
4. 1909-S (No VDB)
This San Francisco issue was minted after the removal of the VDB initials.
- Mintage: 1,825,000
- Value: $100 to $300 in circulated condition; up to $1,000+ in uncirculated
How to Identify a Genuine 1909-S VDB
Because the 1909-S VDB is so valuable, it has been the target of many counterfeits. Here’s how to spot a genuine example:
- Mint Mark Placement: The “S” should be directly beneath the date and evenly spaced.
- Font Style: Check for consistency in the shape of the “S” and the serifs on the letters.
- VDB Initials: The VDB should be sharp and located at the bottom reverse, between the wheat stalks.
- Certification: For valuable coins, it’s strongly advised to get them graded by a reputable third-party service like PCGS or NGC.
Grading the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Coin grading plays a major role in determining a penny’s value. Grades range from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). Here are the most common grading designations:
- Good (G-4): Heavily worn, but date and major details visible
- Fine (F-12): Moderate wear with more detail remaining
- Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate wear on high points
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear, with strong details
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): Slight wear, mostly on high points
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear; may have small blemishes or be perfectly preserved
A 1909-S VDB in MS-65 condition, for example, could be worth $10,000 or more, depending on the market.
Market Trends and Investment Potential
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny—especially rare varieties like the 1909-S VDB—has consistently performed well in the numismatic market. Collectors view it as a cornerstone of any Lincoln cent collection, and demand remains strong due to its historic significance and scarcity.
Even the 1909 VDB and 1909-S (No VDB) coins are considered excellent starter pieces for those building a complete Lincoln cent set.
If you’re considering coin collecting as an investment, these coins offer long-term growth potential and liquidity, particularly when professionally graded and authenticated.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
You can buy or sell 1909 Lincoln Wheat Pennies through:
- Coin Dealers: Local coin shops and dealers are reliable sources.
- Coin Shows: Great for comparing multiple coins and prices in one place.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, GreatCollections, and Heritage Auctions offer broad access but require buyer vigilance.
- Graded Coin Exchanges: Sites like PCGS and NGC offer secure ways to verify authenticity and condition.
When purchasing high-value varieties like the 1909-S VDB, always insist on third-party certification to avoid counterfeits.
Fun Facts About the 1909 Lincoln Cent
- The Lincoln cent broke a longstanding tradition of not placing real people on circulating U.S. coins.
- It remains the longest-running coin design in U.S. history, though its reverse has changed multiple times.
- In 1918, Brenner’s initials were quietly restored—this time on the obverse, below Lincoln’s shoulder.
Final Thoughts
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny is much more than just a one-cent coin. It’s a piece of American history, art, and culture. Whether you’re fascinated by the story of Abraham Lincoln, the artistry of Victor D. Brenner, or the hunt for a rare 1909-S VDB, this coin offers something for every collector.
With proper knowledge, authentication, and care, owning a 1909 Lincoln penny—especially in a rare variety—can be both financially rewarding and historically enriching.
FAQs
Q: How much is a 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth?
A: Values range from a few dollars for common types to $10,000+ for high-grade 1909-S VDB examples.
Q: What does VDB stand for?
A: VDB are the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner.
Q: How can I tell if I have a rare 1909-S VDB penny?
A: Look for the “S” mintmark below the date and the “VDB” initials at the bottom reverse of the coin. Consider professional authentication to confirm.