Can you imagine a small penny being worth more than a car? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. There is one very old penny that could be worth up to 100000 dollars. It is called the 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny. This tiny coin might still be out there somewhere, maybe in someone’s jar or old coin box.
This coin may look like just another penny, but if it is the real one and in good condition, it can be very valuable. Some lucky people may still have it and not even know its real worth.
First Lincoln Penny That Made History
The 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just any coin. It is very special because it was the first time Abraham Lincoln’s face appeared on a US coin. Before this, the Indian Head penny was used.
The US Mint made this coin to celebrate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. That makes it very important for people who love American history and old coins. It is more than just a piece of metal. It is a memory from the past.
This coin was made in San Francisco. You can know this because of the small letter S on the front of the coin under the date. Only a small number of these coins were made with this S mark, which makes it very rare today.
Penny Is So Rare and Wanted
Now talk about what makes this penny so special and why collectors want it so badly. Only 484000 of these coins were made with the S mintmark and the designer’s initials V D B on the back.
That may sound like a lot, but for coins, it is a very low number. Usually, coins are made in millions. So this one is very hard to find today.
Also, this was the first year of the Lincoln penny. The designer Victor David Brenner had his initials V D B on the coin, which created some issues. So, in later versions, the initials were removed. That makes the original 1909-S V D B penny even more special.
If the coin is in mint or perfect condition, it can be sold for more than 100000 dollars. Even if it is not perfect, it can still be worth thousands.
How You Can Find Out If You Have This Penny
If you come across an old penny, take a good look at it. First, check the date. If it shows the year 1909, you may be lucky. Next, look below the date on the front side. If you see a small letter S, that means it was made in San Francisco.
Now flip the coin and look at the back. Between the wheat stalks at the bottom, you should see the letters V D B. These are the initials of the designer.
If your penny has all three signs — 1909, S under the date, and V D B on the back — then you may be holding a rare and valuable coin. It may look old or a little worn, but the letters should still be clear.
Just remember, there are also fake copies out there. So if you think your penny is real, you should take it to a coin expert who can check it for you.
Penny Still Around Today
You may think all of these rare pennies are gone by now. But that’s not true. Some of them may still be around. They might be sitting in old piggy banks, hidden in jars, or kept in boxes of coins passed down from grandparents.
Many people do not know how valuable this penny is. They may spend it without thinking. That is why it is always a good idea to check your pennies before giving them away.
What You Should Do If You Find One
If you find a penny that looks like the 1909-S V D B, the first thing you should do is not clean it. Cleaning can damage the coin and make it lose value.
The best thing to do is to take it to a certified coin dealer or a grading service. These people are experts. They can tell you if the coin is real and how much it is worth.
Once you know the value, you can decide what to do. You can keep it in your collection, sell it to a buyer, or even put it in an auction. Some people have made thousands of dollars this way.
Coin Buyers in the USA
| State or District | Coin Buyers Available |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes |
So if you live in any of these places, it may be easier to find someone who can help you check and sell your coin.
Tiny Penny With a Big Story
The 1909-S V D B Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin. It is a piece of American history. It reminds us of Abraham Lincoln and how he was respected even 100 years after his birth.
If you like collecting coins or just checking your change, keep looking. This tiny penny could still be out there, waiting to be found. And who knows, maybe your next handful of change has a small treasure hiding in it.
It may not be easy to find, but it is not impossible. So next time you get change, take a second look. You might just find something worth much more than one cent.
FAQs
What is the 1909-S V D B penny
It is a rare Lincoln penny made in 1909 with special markings
How to check if I have this penny
Look for 1909 date, S under the date, and V D B on the back
Can this penny still be found
Yes it might still be in jars or old coin collections
How much can it be worth
It can be worth from thousands to 100000 dollars
What to do if I find one
Don’t clean it and take it to a coin expert
