How to Find a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is the key date of the Lincoln Wheat cent series and one of the most recognizable United States coins ever produced. With an original mintage of only 484,000 coins, genuine examples are highly sought after—and counterfeit or altered coins are a serious concern.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny important to collectors?

The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first regular-issue United States coin to feature a real historical person.

Brenner placed his initials, “V.D.B.,” prominently along the bottom of the reverse. The initials were removed shortly after production began following criticism that they were too noticeable.

Before the initials were removed, the San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 examples, a mintage figure reported by PCGS CoinFacts and the U.S. Mint’s own historical records. This combination of a limited mintage, first-year design, San Francisco mint mark, and short-lived VDB reverse made the 1909-S VDB the principal key date of the Lincoln Wheat cent series.

Collectors pursuing a complete Lincoln cent set generally need four different 1909 Lincoln issues:

• 1909 VDB from Philadelphia
• 1909 without VDB from Philadelphia
• 1909-S VDB from San Francisco
• 1909-S without VDB from San Francisco

The 1909-S VDB is the scarcest and most valuable of these regular issues.

Because genuine coins are valuable, the 1909-S VDB is also frequently counterfeited. Some altered coins begin as ordinary 1909 VDB cents and have a false “S” mint mark added. Others begin as genuine 1909-S cents and have false VDB initials added to the reverse. Completely counterfeit coins are also known.

How to identify a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny

Check both sides of the coin carefully. A genuine example must have the correct date, San Francisco mint mark, and VDB initials.

Confirm the date and mint mark

The date “1909” appears on the lower-right portion of the obverse, in front of Lincoln’s portrait.

A small “S” mint mark should appear directly beneath the date. The mint mark identifies the coin as a product of the San Francisco Mint.

All genuine 1909-S VDB cents were produced using four known obverse dies, a diagnostic documented by PCGS CoinFacts and NGC’s variety references for the series. Each die has a recognized mint-mark position relative to the date. A mint mark that does not correspond with one of those four positions may have been added.

Heavy wear can weaken the date and mint mark. Be cautious when a listing relies on uncertain, incomplete, or digitally enhanced details.

Find the VDB initials

Turn the coin over and inspect the bottom center of the reverse.

The small initials “V.D.B.” appear along the rim beneath the wheat stalks and below the words “ONE CENT.” Depending on the coin’s condition, the dots between the letters may be weak or difficult to see.

The initials must have the correct letter shapes, spacing, alignment, and relationship to the surrounding surface. On genuine examples, the center bar of the “B” and the lower portion of the “D” have distinctive angled characteristics that may be missing from added initials.

Examine the mint mark closely

The “S” mint mark is one of the first areas an authenticator will examine.

Genuine examples may show:

• The correct mint-mark shape and serif style
• A small raised dot or die chip inside the upper curve of the “S”
• A position corresponding to one of four known obverse dies
• Surface texture around the mint mark that matches the rest of the coin
• Natural wear that remains consistent across the mint mark and surrounding field

The raised dot is a useful diagnostic, but it may be weak or absent because of wear, strike quality, or the specific condition of the coin. Its absence alone does not prove that a coin is counterfeit.

Warning signs may include:

• An “S” with the wrong shape or proportions
• A mint mark in an unrecognized position
• Slanted or incorrectly formed serifs
• Metal disturbed around the “S”
• A visible seam around the mint mark
• A difference in color or texture around the mint mark
• VDB initials with incorrect letter shapes
• Flat or incorrectly shaped portions of the “B” or “D”
• Raised tooling marks or unusual surface texture

Photographs alone may not be sufficient to authenticate a high-value coin. If you cannot confidently evaluate the mint mark, initials, and known die characteristics, consider an independently certified example.

Know the physical specifications

Per U.S. Mint records and PCGS CoinFacts, the 1909-S VDB cent weighs 3.11 grams, measures 19mm in diameter, is struck in 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, and has a plain edge. Wide deviation from these specifications—accounting for normal wear and toning—is a basic red flag alongside the mint-mark and initial diagnostics above.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

A certified coin has been authenticated, graded, and sealed in a holder by a third-party grading service. A raw coin is sold without that certification.

For a frequently counterfeited key date such as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, certification can provide important protection. Before purchasing a certified coin:

• Confirm that the holder is from a recognized grading service.
• Verify the certification number through the grading service’s official website.
• Compare the holder’s photographs, when available, with the coin being offered.
• Check that the label identifies the coin as “1909-S VDB.”
• Remember that counterfeit grading holders also exist.

A raw coin may have a lower asking price, but it requires considerably more expertise and carries greater authentication risk. A seller’s written opinion or guarantee is not the same as independent certification.

Understanding grades

Most surviving 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents show some degree of circulation wear. The amount and location of that wear determine much of the coin’s grade.

When comparing listings, look at:

• How clearly the date, mint mark, and VDB initials can be read
• Remaining detail in Lincoln’s hair, cheek, jaw, and coat
• Detail in the wheat stalks on the reverse
• Marks, scratches, rim damage, or discoloration
• The coin’s overall eye appeal
• Whether the assigned grade is supported by a recognized grading service

On circulated coins, wear commonly appears first on Lincoln’s cheekbone, jaw, hair, and coat. Reverse wear may reduce detail in the wheat stalks and lettering.

Understanding BN, RB, and RD color designations

Certified copper coins may receive a color designation in addition to their numerical grade:

• BN — Brown: Most of the original red copper color has changed to brown.
• RB — Red-Brown: The coin retains a mixture of original red color and brown toning.
• RD — Red: The coin retains most of its original mint-red color.

Color designations are most relevant to uncirculated coins. Original Red examples generally attract stronger demand, but buyers should also consider surface quality, spotting, toning, and overall eye appeal.

Artificial color can be used to make a copper coin appear more desirable. A bright appearance does not necessarily mean the color is original.

Problem coins

A genuine 1909-S VDB can still have condition problems that affect its desirability and market value. Watch for descriptions such as:

Cleaned, improperly cleaned, scratched, bent, damaged, corroded, environmental damage, rim damage, recolored, questionable color, repaired, tooled, or altered surfaces.

Problem coins are sometimes placed in holders with a details grade rather than a standard numerical grade. They can provide a less expensive way to own the date, but buyers should understand the stated problem and compare the asking price accordingly.

Copper coins can be particularly sensitive to cleaning, recoloring, spotting, corrosion, and environmental damage.

Authentication and seller information

Before purchasing, review the complete listing rather than relying on its title. Confirm:

• The coin shown is the exact coin being sold.
• Both obverse and reverse photographs are provided.
• The mint mark and VDB initials are visible at useful magnification.
• The certification number matches the listing.
• The seller provides a clear return policy.
• Shipping, insurance, taxes, and buyer fees are included in your total-cost comparison.

For raw coins, request additional photographs when the date, mint mark, initials, edge, or surfaces are unclear. Avoid making an authentication decision from a blurry, overexposed, or heavily edited image.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1909-S VDB Lincoln penny,” “1909 S VDB Lincoln cent,” “1909-S VDB wheat penny,” “1909-S VDB wheat cent,” or “1909-S VDB 1C.”

Then narrow the results with terms that reflect your collecting goal:

• By grade: AG, G4, VG, F12, VF, XF, AU, MS
• By certification: PCGS, NGC, or “certified 1909-S VDB penny”
• By color designation: BN, RB, RD (brown, red-brown, red)
• By condition or budget: circulated, low-grade, details grade, cleaned, or problem coin

Useful filters may include grade, color designation, grading service, price range, dealer, certification status, and problem-free versus details-graded coins. Avoid filtering so narrowly that legitimate listings disappear—dealers may format the date, mint mark, initials, grades, and color designations differently.

Availability and pricing notes

Coin availability can change quickly, especially for popular key dates. A search may show several examples one day and none that meet your requirements the next.

Listings and asking prices do not necessarily represent completed-sale values. Compare multiple examples, consider each coin’s grade, color, surface quality, and condition, and review recent market information before purchasing.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1909-S VDB Lincoln penny” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by grade, certification, color designation, condition, dealer, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example is not available, save “1909-S VDB Lincoln penny” as a wishlist item. Add grade, grading-service, color, or price preferences when those options are available.
4. Get notified about new matches. When new dealer inventory matches your wishlist, GetCoinHunt sends an alert so you can review the listing before it disappears.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Open the dealer’s listing, verify the certification and photographs, read the complete description, and review the seller’s terms.

For example, suppose you want a certified 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent in Fine through Very Fine condition, but the current results are outside your budget. Instead of repeating the same search across multiple dealer websites every day, save the coin to your wishlist. When matching inventory is detected, you receive a notification and can decide whether the new listing fits your collection.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so valuable?

Only 484,000 were produced at the San Francisco Mint before the prominent VDB initials were removed from the reverse. Its low mintage, first-year status, famous design, and strong collector demand make it the key date of the Lincoln Wheat cent series.

Where is the mint mark on a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny?

The small “S” mint mark appears on the obverse directly below the 1909 date.

Where are the VDB initials?

The initials “V.D.B.” appear at the bottom center of the reverse, along the rim beneath the wheat stalks and the words “ONE CENT.”

What does VDB mean?

VDB represents the initials of Victor David Brenner, the designer of the original Lincoln cent.

Are all 1909 VDB pennies valuable?

No. The Philadelphia 1909 VDB cent is much more common. The key date must have both the correct “S” mint mark beneath the date and the correct VDB initials on the reverse.

What is the difference between a 1909-S VDB and a regular 1909-S cent?

Both were produced at the San Francisco Mint. The 1909-S VDB has Brenner’s initials at the bottom of the reverse, while the later 1909-S cent does not.

How can I tell whether the “S” was added?

An added mint mark may have the wrong shape, incorrect serif style, disturbed surrounding metal, or a position that does not match one of the four known obverse dies. Sophisticated alterations can be difficult to detect, so professional authentication is strongly recommended.

Can the VDB initials be added to a genuine 1909-S cent?

Yes. This is one method used to create altered coins. Authenticators examine the letter shapes, spacing, surface texture, and known die characteristics to determine whether the initials are genuine.

Should I buy a raw 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny?

A knowledgeable specialist may be comfortable evaluating a raw coin, but most buyers should approach uncertified examples cautiously. The issue is frequently altered and counterfeited, and genuine coins may also have undisclosed cleaning, recoloring, or damage.

What do BN, RB, and RD mean?

These are color designations used for copper coins. BN means Brown, RB means Red-Brown, and RD means Red. They describe how much original red copper color remains and are separate from the numerical grade.

Is a details-graded 1909-S VDB worth buying?

It can be, depending on the type and severity of the problem, the coin’s appearance, and the price. Details-graded coins generally trade differently from problem-free coins with numerical grades, so compare similar examples.

Why do prices vary so much between listings?

Price differences may reflect numerical grade, color designation, certification, surface quality, originality, problem status, eye appeal, dealer policies, or differences in asking price. Compare equivalent coins rather than assuming every 1909-S VDB listing is directly comparable.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1909-S VDB Lincoln penny” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

Looking to buy or check current prices for this coin?Search it on CoinHunt →