1909 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1909 penny marks a revolutionary moment in American coinage history. When the Lincoln Wheat Penny arrived at banks on August 2nd, 1909, massive crowds gathered to witness the first everyday U.S. coin featuring a real person rather than allegorical figures.

Within days of release, public outcry over designer Victor David Brenner’s prominent initials forced the U.S. Mint to halt production on August 6th and remove the controversial “VDB” marking.

Today, that brief production window has transformed these copper cents into numismatic treasures, the 1909 S Proof VDB Penny (RD) Value is estimated at $30,576.

In this article, discover exactly what your 1909 penny is worth and learn to identify the valuable varieties that could be hiding in your collection.

 

1909 Penny Value By Variety

Looking at this comprehensive value chart, you can quickly assess what your 1909 penny might be worth based on its specific type and condition.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1909 Penny Worth Money

This chart displays the most valuable 1909 penny auction results from 2005 to present, revealing distinct value tiers within the series. The 1909-S VDB 67 dominates at $168,000, establishing itself as the clear market leader.

Philadelphia VDB varieties appear frequently across different grades, from MS-64 through MS-68, with values ranging from $49,938 to $70,500. The 1909-S 67 without VDB achieves $69,000, demonstrating how superb condition can overcome mintage advantages when competing against more common varieties in lower grades.

Similarly, the finest-known 1909 68 regular issue reaches $59,800, proving that condition census examples command premium prices regardless of their base variety’s relative abundance.

Two error varieties appear at the bottom tier: the 1909-S/S S/Horizontal S 67 at $32,900 and the 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse 67 at $31,200. These entries showcase how specialized varieties can achieve significant values while remaining more accessible than the premier key dates.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History Of The 1909 Penny

The 1909 penny emerged from President Theodore Roosevelt’s ambitious vision to redesign American coinage with greater artistic merit. Roosevelt commissioned Lithuanian-born sculptor Victor David Brenner in 1908 to create a new cent honoring Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birth anniversary.

Brenner’s design, adapted from his earlier Lincoln plaque, became America’s first circulating coin to feature a real person rather than allegorical figures.

Production began at Philadelphia in June 1909, followed by San Francisco in July. The initial design included Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” prominently displayed on the reverse, which immediately sparked controversy upon the coin’s public release on August 2, 1909.

Newspaper critics denounced the initials as inappropriate advertising, leading Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh to order their removal. Production ceased August 6, creating instant scarcity for VDB varieties.The mint resumed production in mid-August with revised dies lacking the controversial initials.

The 1909 penny’s tumultuous introduction created multiple collectible varieties—VDB and non-VDB versions from both mints, plus rare proof strikes—establishing the Lincoln cent as America’s most popular coin series while demonstrating how political controversy can create numismatic treasures.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1909 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly verify the rarity rating and current market value of your wheat pennies.

 

Key Features Of The 1909 Penny

The 1909 penny’s designer was Victor Brenner. You can differentiate two types of these coins existing only this first year of minting, with and without his initials.

The Obverse Of The 1909 Penny

The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, adapted from his earlier plaque work based on a Mathew Brady photograph. Lincoln’s bust dominates the center, showing detailed hair texture and facial features that demonstrate Brenner’s sculptural expertise.

The word “LIBERTY” appears to the left of Lincoln’s profile, while the date “1909” is positioned to the right. Below the year is the mintmark (if any).Arching above Lincoln’s head, the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” follows the coin’s curved rim.

The Reverse Of The 1909 Penny

The reverse displays Brenner’s elegant wheat ear design, with two durum wheat stalks flanking the central inscriptions. “ONE CENT” appears prominently in the middle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” positioned below. The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top rim.

The most significant reverse feature distinguishes the two 1909 varieties: early strikes display Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” at the bottom center between the wheat stalks, while later production omitted these controversial letters.

The wheat ears themselves show detailed grain structure and natural curvature, symbolizing America’s agricultural heritage. This reverse design would remain unchanged through 1958, making the 1909 VDB initials a unique first-year feature.

Other Features Of The 1909 Penny

The 1909 penny measures 19mm in diameter and weighs 3.11 grams, composed of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc. The coin features a plain edge and exhibits the distinctive bronze color characteristic of early Lincoln cents. Matte proof versions display squared-off rims, stronger strikes, and granular fields that distinguish them from business strikes.

Production variations include different die states and minor die markers that help authenticate genuine examples. The coin’s copper composition makes it susceptible to environmental damage, with original “red” surfaces commanding significant premiums over “brown” or “red-brown” examples that show oxidation.

Quality strikes typically display full wheat ear details and complete rim denticles, while weaker strikes may show softness in Lincoln’s hair details or the wheat grain definition.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1909 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia’s massive 72.7 million No Mint production dwarfed all other 1909 varieties combined, and representing 68% of total regular strike mintage, VDB’s mintage established the second production tier, while San Francisco’s contribution was negligible, with 1.825 million regular coins and 484,000 VDB versions, accounting for only 2.25% of the total production in 1909.

Although the regular version has an overwhelming advantage in terms of mintage, the VDB version of the silver coin has a higher survival rate.—0.1429% and 1.0331% for VDB versus 0.0275% and 0.1644% for regular strikes. This 5-6 fold difference suggests immediate collector recognition and hoarding of the controversial VDB design.

The survival distribution pie chart confirms VDB varieties’ dominance in today’s collector market despite their originally smaller mintages.People once opposed adding VDB to the coin, but now this controversial coin has a high collector value.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1909 Penny Value

The 1909 penny marks Lincoln’s debut on American coinage, making it historically significant. The famous “VDB” initials on select examples create major value differences—some specimens command hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Identifying VDB presence, authenticating mint marks, and accurately grading these century-old coins requires extensive knowledge and careful examination.

CoinValueChecker APP provides instant clarity. One photo identifies your specific 1909 variety, detects VDB initials, and delivers accurate valuations.

 

1909 Penny Value Guides

The 1909 Lincoln cent series encompasses six distinct categories, each representing a unique combination of mint location, design variation, and striking method.

• 1909 No Mint Mark Penny
• 1909 No Mint Mark VDB Penny
• 1909-S Penny
• 1909-S VDB Penny
• 1909 Proof Penny
• 1909 Proof VDB Penny

Philadelphia produced the bulk of circulation strikes both with and without Victor David Brenner’s controversial VDB initials, while San Francisco contributed smaller quantities that have become the series’ most coveted pieces. The proof versions, struck specifically for collectors, represent the ultimate in 1909 penny rarity.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1909 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1909 No Mint Mark Penny holds profound significance as America’s first circulating presidential coin, marking a revolutionary departure from allegorical designs. And represents the foundational entry point for the entire Lincoln cent series that spans nearly 50 years.

With over 72 million minted, these Philadelphia strikes offer relative accessibility while maintaining genuine collector value. Market demand remains steady due to their historical importance and role as starter coins for new collectors.

Current values show clear color-based pricing tiers. In March 2022, an MS 67 RB sold for $2,800, while an MS 67+ RD commanded $8,519 in July 2023. The stark price differences between color designations illustrate why collectors prioritize red specimens.

Historical auction records for this foundational Lincoln cent reveal the premium potential of exceptional preservation in our comprehensive Auction Record.

Current market activity reflects its dual role as both starter coin and serious collectible.

 

1909 No Mint Mark VDB Penny Value

The 1909 VDB cent, mint-marked, represents President Lincoln’s original design and sparked controversy. The controversy stems mainly from the fact that the letters VDB are too prominent at the bottom of the reverse of the coin, which has been criticized as giving the designer “free advertising”. This coin was highly hoarded and preserved in its first year of issue due to the VDB controversy.

With 27.9 million minted versus the regular version’s 72.7 million, the VDB shows moderate scarcity while commanding significant premiums.

30,000-40,000 mint state survivors exist, with perhaps 20,000 full red gems, making it “by far the easiest of the early Philadelphia Lincoln cents to find in Gem full Red condition”. Current values substantially higher than the regular no-VDB version.

Auction records demonstrate dramatic color-based value differences: the highest red specimen achieved $56,400 in MS-68RD in June 2021, an MS 68 RB sold for $22,800 . This pricing structure confirms red preservation as the primary value driver.

Historical auction records for this foundational VDB variety showcase the dramatic impact of rarity.

Collector interest patterns over the past decade illustrate the evolving market dynamics surrounding 1909 No Mint Mark VDB Penny.

 

1909-S Penny Value

The 1909-S Penny represents San Francisco’s inaugural Lincoln cent production. Professional institute recognizes that “even the 1909-S (without the VDB) is considered a key” due to high demand and low San Francisco mintages, establishing it as an essential component for serious Lincoln cent collectors seeking complete date and mint mark sets.

The recorded price achieved $69,000 for an MS-67 RD specimen sold  in August 2004, establishing a premium benchmark for this key date in exceptional preservation. An MS-65 RB example selling for $4,000 on eBay in August 2023, while an BN brought $1,680 in 2023.

In addition to reflecting the impact of color, the auction price also reflects the fact that the 1909-S penny, as a legal key year, has a very high premium rate. Lower-grade versions can still be accepted by collectors, confirming its status in the Lincoln penny grade.

Documented sales records from certified auction houses provide concrete evidence of collector demand across different grades and varieties.

Market activity provide insight into how public awareness and collecting enthusiasm have fluctuated since the series’ release.

 

1909-S VDB Penny Value

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent has been declared “the king of Lincoln Cents” by numismatic authorities. Experts state “it’s hard to deny that the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of most important coins in American numismatics”.

With only 484,000 minted—58 times scarcer than Philadelphia’s VDB production—Only 5,000 pieces remain，the 1909-S VDB represents absolute rarity in American coinage.

Recent auction activity shows an MS-67 RD specimen achieving $168,000 in 2022, while premium examples also reached five-figure territory, and establishing sustained value appreciation.

An MS67RB example sold for $19,200 in November 2021, a lower-grade MS66BN specimen achieved $10,000 in December 2022. Although it is far inferior to the top red version, it still ranks high, reflect both absolute rarity and passionate collector competition.

Professional auction platforms have generated the price discovery data that shapes current 1909-S VDB Penny valuations.

Market Activity reflect the coin’s unique position as both collector trophy and blue-chip numismatic investment.

 

1909 Proof Penny Value

The 1909 Proof Lincoln cent represents America’s first matte proof penny, featuring distinctive squared-off rims, strong strikes, and granular fields that distinguish them from business strikes.

As America’s inaugural presidential proof coin, it established the foundation for modern proof production methods while commemorating Lincoln’s centennial with unprecedented craftsmanship.

With a reported mintage of 2,198 coins struck, these proofs are scarce in absolute terms with only a fraction of the pieces minted are known to exist.

Based on verified auction data, current values show $10,800 in PR-67 RB and $59,800 in PR-68 RD, while a PR-67 BN example with brought $3,290, demonstrating the dramatic premium for red preservation over brown examples.

Auction Record data illustrates the performance of these matte finish rarities across color designations and grade levels.

Market Activity demonstrates steady collector pursuit of these technically innovative first-year proof strikes.

 

1909 Proof VDB Penny Value

The 1909 Proof VDB Penny represents the ultimate rarity in Lincoln cent collecting, with an estimated mintage of 1,194 pieces yet fewer than 100 examples believed to survive today. by far it was the scarcest of all the Matte Proof Lincoln cents and “the most desired coin in the Matte Proof Lincoln cent series.”

The coin features the controversial VDB initials that sparked nationwide debate, making it both historically significant and extraordinarily rare. A record-setting PR67+ RB example achieved over $200,000 in 2010, establishing it as one of the most expensive regular-issue small cents ever sold.

Red specimens usually commanding the highest premiums, with high grade RB examples still reaching six figures, while even BN examples represent substantial investments due to absolute rarity.

Auction Record reflect the extreme rarity of this San Francisco proof issue among advanced collectors.

Market Activity underscores the institutional-quality rarity of this ultimate Lincoln cent proof.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1909 Penny Error List

The 1909 Lincoln cent series produced several significant minting errors during its inaugural year, creating valuable varieties that command substantial premiums today. These errors occurred during the die-making process when design elements were doubled, dates were repunched, or mint marks were incorrectly positioned.

Each variety represents a specific malfunction in production that affected multiple coins before detection, making them collectible varieties rather than unique errors.

1. 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse

This error resulted from misalignment during the multiple hubbing process used to create working dies. The most prominent doubling appears on “LIBERTY” and the date “1909,” where overlapping impressions create clearly visible secondary images.

Identification focuses on examining letter thickness and outline separation, particularly noticeable on the “RTY” portion of “LIBERTY.” Two main varieties exist with different doubling strengths and locations.

FS-1101 shows prominent doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date “1909,” easily visible with minimal magnification and considered the more desirable of the two varieties.

FS-1102 exhibits subtler doubling characteristics but remains a recognized variety among specialists. Both varieties occur on Philadelphia VDB cents with their 27.9 million mintage base, making them accessible to collectors.

Use our CoinValueChecker APP to instantly authenticate and grade your doubled die variety with professional accuracy and current market valuations.

2. 1909-S/S RPM FS-1501

The 1909-S/S RPM FS-1501 represents a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century minting practices when mintmarks were manually applied to working dies. This repunched mintmark variety occurred during San Francisco’s limited production run when mint workers repositioned the “S” mintmark after determining the initial placement was unsatisfactory.

The underlying mintmark impression created diagnostic doubling or spreading effects around the final “S” position, visible under magnification as thickness variations or faint secondary outlines.

This error demonstrates the quality control procedures of the era, where dies were corrected and continued in service rather than being discarded—a practical approach given the time and resources required for die production.

The variety maintains consistent collector interest due to its clear diagnostic features and association with San Francisco’s already scarce 1909 Lincoln cent production, commanding modest but reliable premiums across all grade levels from circulated examples to mint state specimens.

3. 1909-S/S S/Horizontal S

The 1909-S/S S/Horizontal S stands as one of the most visually distinctive repunched mintmark varieties in the Lincoln cent series, created when the initial “S” mintmark was inadvertently punched in a horizontal orientation before being corrected with a properly positioned vertical “S.”

This dramatic 90-degree misalignment creates unmistakable perpendicular traces beneath the final mintmark, making identification remarkably straightforward compared to other subtle varieties.

The error provides unique insight into the manual mintmark application process of the early 1900s, demonstrating how human error during the labor-intensive die preparation could create such striking anomalies.

The horizontal “S” impression remains clearly visible under magnification across virtually all grade levels, from heavily circulated examples to mint state specimens, giving the variety exceptional diagnostic reliability.

This visual drama, combined with the error’s association with San Francisco’s limited 1909 production, creates strong collector appeal among both variety specialists and general Lincoln cent enthusiasts who appreciate errors with unmistakable authentication features.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1909 Penny?

Now that you’ve determined the value of your 1909 penny, you might be wondering where to sell this historic coin online with ease. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of reputable platforms, complete with detailed introductions, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about selling your 1909 Lincoln cent.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1909 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1909 Penny

1. What makes a 1909 penny rare?

Most circulated 1909 pennies are surprisingly common, considering their age. On the other hand, VDB varieties and pieces in excellent condition can be scarce. Experts consider the 1909 S VDB pennies as the rarest varieties in the series.

2. How much is the 1909 Philadelphia penny worth?

You can recognize two 1909 penny types, pieces with and without VDB, the designer’s initials. Regular coins cost differently, depending on their color and quality. You can expect the price range of $1.25 to $54 for brown, $17 to $160 for red-brown, and $45 to $1,800 for red coins.

On the other hand, the 1909 VDB pennies are rarer and more valuable. Depending on grade, brown specimens cost $3 to $450, while those with red-brown toning are worth somewhere between $22 to $22,000. The red VDB pennies have a price range from $40 to $66,000.

3. What is the most expensive Wheat cent?

The most expensive penny Type 1 is the 1944 S MS 66 coin made of steel ($408,000 in 2021). The DDO error red coin in MS 64 grade, minted in 1958 and sold at $336,000 in 2018, is the costliest imperfect piece in the series.

The priciest proof is the 1909 VDB PR 67+ coin, which was paid $258,500 in 2014. The absolute winner in the series is the 1943 D Bronze MS 64 brown piece Type 2. One collector bought it for $840,000 in 2021.