1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent is the most iconic key date in the entire Lincoln series, minted at the San Francisco Mint to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It is highly collectible due to its low mintage and the public controversy surrounding designer Victor D. Brenner’s prominent initials, which were removed shortly after production began.

What affects the value of 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent?

• The presence and clarity of the 'S' mint mark and 'VDB' initials significantly impact the $200-$240 price range.
• Overall surface preservation and the amount of original red luster remaining on the copper.
• The sharpness of Lincoln's hair details and the individual wheat stalks on the reverse.
• Authentication by a professional grading service to ensure the mint mark is not a counterfeit addition.

How to Identify 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent?

• Locate the 'S' mint mark directly below the 1909 date on the obverse side.
• Verify the 'V.D.B.' initials centered at the very bottom of the reverse rim.
• Check for the specific placement of the periods after each letter in the designer's initials.
• Examine the coin's composition, which should be a bronze alloy of copper and tin.

History of 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, replacing the Indian Head cent. The 1909-S VDB is a famous early variety struck at the San Francisco Mint with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials prominent on the reverse. Because of public controversy over the prominent initials, later 1909-S coins and most subsequent issues omit or reduce the VDB initials, making the 1909-S VDB a key date and highly sought by collectors.