Lincoln Wheat Cents · Great Depression Era
1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent
History, mintage, varieties, and collector value of the 1932 Lincoln Wheat cent
Quick Facts — 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent
- First year of issue for the Lincoln cent series
- Introduced Abraham Lincoln as the first real person on a U.S. circulating coin
- Designed by Victor David Brenner
- Minted at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)
- Home of two legendary key dates: 1909-S VDB and 1909-S
- Original designer’s initials “V.D.B.” briefly appeared on the reverse before being removed later in 1909
- Marks a turning point in U.S. coinage, shifting from symbolic figures to historical individuals
Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat cent marks the beginning of one of the most collected coin series in U.S. history. Issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, it replaced the Indian Head cent and introduced Lincoln’s portrait to everyday American coinage. The first year of issue also produced several varieties, most notably the famous 1909-S VDB, that remain cornerstones of the hobby.
Whether you own a common Philadelphia issue or one of the scarcer San Francisco varieties, understanding mint marks, design details, and condition is essential to knowing what your 1909 penny is worth.
Design and Specifications
- Denomination: One cent
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Cent (Wheat reverse)
- Year: 1909 (first year of issue)
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
- Mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (“S”)
- Key variety: 1909-S VDB
$6 VF25BN 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent.
Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.
Historical Background and Design
The Lincoln cent was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner as part of a broader effort to modernize U.S. coinage in the early 20th century. Brenner’s obverse portrait of Lincoln was based on a photograph by Matthew Brady, while the reverse featured two wheat stalks framing the denomination, a design that would remain in use until 1958.
When the coin debuted in 1909, Brenner placed his initials “VDB” prominently at the bottom of the reverse, which immediately drew public criticism. The U.S. Mint quickly ordered them removed which split the year’s production into two very distinct “with VDB” and “without VDB” varieties, and created one of the most famous collecting stories in American numismatics.
All 1909 Lincoln Cent Types and Mint Marks
There are four main collectible varieties of the 1909 Lincoln cent:
- 1909 (Philadelphia, no VDB)
- 1909 VDB (Philadelphia, with VDB initials)
- 1909-S (San Francisco, no VDB)
- 1909-S VDB (San Francisco, with VDB initials)
The presence or absence of the “S” mint mark and the “VDB” initials has a dramatic impact on scarcity and value.
High-Grade and Proof Examples of the 1909 Lincoln Cent
The below coin is FAR from the norm. In fact, this example is the most expensive one I could find! This coin (Cert #06656545) had a PCGS Price Guide value listed as $258,500 but was sold on Heritage Auctions on August 5, 2014 for a whopping $275,500.00! Could you imagine saying to someone, “I’ll trade you my house for your penny!”? Yeah, probably not.
Notable high-grade example; image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.
How to Identify Mint Marks and VDB Initials
- Mint mark location:
On 1909 Lincoln cents, the mint mark appears just below the date on the obverse.- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- “S” = San Francisco
- VDB initials location:
On VDB varieties, the initials “VDB” appear at the bottom of the reverse, centered between the two wheat stalks. If no initials are present, the coin is a non-VDB subtype.
Correct identification is critical, especially for San Francisco issues. Altered or counterfeit examples are common.
Mintages and Relative Scarcity
Knowing how many coins were struck helps explain why some 1909 cents are far more valuable than others:
- 1909 (Philadelphia, no VDB): ~72,700,000
- 1909 VDB (Philadelphia): ~27,995,000
- 1909-S (no VDB): ~1,825,000
- 1909-S VDB: ~484,000
| Coin Variety | Mintage (Number) | Percentage |
| 1909 (Philadelphia, no VDB) | 72,700,000 | 70.58% |
| 1909 VDB (Philadelphia) | 27,995,000 | 27.18% |
| 1909-S (no VDB) | 1,825,000 | 1.77% |
| 1909-S VDB | 484,000 | 0.47% |
| Total | 103,004,000 | 100.00% |
The extremely low mintage of the 1909-S VDB, combined with its first-year status and design controversy, cemented its reputation as a classic key date.
1909 Lincoln Cent Value Ranges (General Guidance)
Values depend heavily on condition, surface originality, and color designation (Brown, Red-Brown, or Red for copper coins). The ranges below reflect typical market behavior for problem-free examples.
1909 (Philadelphia, no VDB)
- Circulated: Modestly above face value into the low-dollar range, depending on wear.
- Uncirculated: Premiums increase sharply for higher-grade Red examples.
1909 VDB (Philadelphia)
- Circulated: Collectible with values generally in the multiple-dollar range and up.
- Uncirculated: Strong premiums, especially for bright Red coins in higher Mint State grades.
1909-S (no VDB)
- Circulated: Recognized semi-key date with steadily rising values as condition improves.
- Uncirculated: Scarcer and substantially more expensive than Philadelphia issues.
1909-S VDB
- Circulated: Major key date, commonly valued in the hundreds of dollars and higher depending on grade.
- Uncirculated: Certified Mint State examples, particularly Red, can reach four figures or more due to intense demand and limited supply.
Counterfeits and Authentication
Due to its value, the 1909-S VDB has been heavily counterfeited for decades. Common fakes include:
- Added or altered “S” mint marks on Philadelphia coins
- Added or modified “VDB” initials on genuine 1909-S cents
- Repaired or re-engraved mint marks intended to deceive
Collectors closely examine mint mark shape, placement, surface texture, and lettering style. Any coin believed to be a genuine 1909-S VDB is best authenticated by a major third-party grading service before purchase or sale.
Why Collectors Pursue 1909 Lincoln Cents
Several factors keep demand strong:
- First year of issue: The start of the Lincoln cent series
- Design controversy: The short-lived VDB initials created instant varieties
- Set building: Lincoln cents are one of the most widely collected U.S. series
- Accessibility: Collectors can start with affordable Philadelphia issues and work toward the key date
For many collectors, the 1909-S VDB represents a milestone coin and a long-term goal.
Value Drivers Beyond the Date
Age alone does not determine value. For 1909 Lincoln cents, three factors matter most:
- Condition: Sharp detail, original surfaces, and lack of damage dramatically increase desirability
- Mint mark: The small “S” can transform a common coin into a key rarity
- Originality: Coins free from cleaning or artificial alteration consistently command premiums
These principles apply throughout the Lincoln cent series and help explain why even common dates can be valuable in high grades.
FAQ — 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Got a quick question about the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent? Here are the answers collectors ask most often.
Is every 1909 penny valuable?
Should I clean my 1909 penny?
Which 1909 penny is the rarest?
When should a 1909 cent be graded?
How do I know if my coin has VDB?
How can I tell if a 1909-S VDB penny is authentic?
Still have more questions?
Drop your question in the comments.
Mini Quiz: 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent — Takeaway
1909 is the foundation year of the Lincoln Wheat cent series and one of the most historically important dates in all of U.S. coinage. The introduction of Abraham Lincoln marked a major departure from traditional allegorical designs, while the short-lived appearance of Victor David Brenner’s “V.D.B.” initials created two of the most famous key dates in American numismatics.
With issues ranging from extremely common to genuinely scarce, 1909 offers something for every collector—from affordable Philadelphia pieces to the legendary 1909-S VDB. Whether collected for history, design significance, or rarity, the 1909 Lincoln Wheat cent stands as the starting point of a series that would span nearly fifty years and become one of the most widely collected coin types in the world.
Jesse Coins Personal Collection
.. coming soon, my very own 1909 Lincoln Cent!
Don’t get excited. No really. This is a coin I found in my cash register while working at a gas station in Canada in 1993. It’s in rough shape, but hey.. it cost me $0.01 Canadian!