1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Value – What Is It Worth in 2025?

Most likely, this coin is regarded as one of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Value major icons and extremely valuable American numismatic items. Minted in San Francisco in 1909, this coin holds historical significance, rarity, and a degree of intrigue making it a must-have for serious collectors.

But what this penny would really be worth today?

Let us consider the current market value, factors that affect the value, and how one can tell the real 1909-S VDB cent.

The History Behind the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

In 1909, the U.S. Mint emitted the Lincoln cent to celebrate the centenary of his birth. The new penny was designed by Victor David Brenner and featured his initials, “V.D.B.” prominently on the reverse side.

However, initial public outcry led to the removal of the initials. In total, only 484,000 coins marked “VDB” were coined at the San Francisco Mint before it was withdrawn from circulation. Because of its limited mintage, it became one of America’s rarest regular-issue coins.

What Factors Influence the Worth of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent?

The value of the coin is determined by some major factors as follows.

• Mintage Rarity- With only 484,000 minted, this cent is already scarce.
• Grade/Condition- Heavily circulated coins to pristine Mint State (MS) grades;

so the higher the grade, the higher the price.

• Color Classification – The Lincoln cents are color classified:
• Brown (BN) – Commonly applies to the older circulated coins.
• Red-Brown (RB)- Some of its original red remains.
• Red (RD)- Almost all the original mint red is present, and this is very desirable and valuable.

2025 Market Values of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

Here’s a look at the approximate values based on coin grading and color designation:

Grade	Brown (BN)	Red-Brown (RB)	Red (RD)
Good (G-4)	$750 – $900	N/A	N/A
Fine (F-12)	$1,000 – $1,200	N/A	N/A
Very Fine (VF-20)	$1,300 – $1,500	N/A	N/A
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$1,600 – $1,800	N/A	N/A
About Uncirculated	$1,900 – $2,200	$2,200 – $2,500	$2,500 – $2,900
MS-60	$2,800 – $3,200	$3,500 – $4,000	$4,500 – $5,500
MS-63	$3,500 – $4,000	$5,000 – $6,500	$7,000 – $8,500
MS-65	$6,000 – $7,500	$8,000 – $10,000	$10,000 – $15,000

What Makes This Coin So Desirable?

Besides its rarity, this cent represents an exceptional time in U.S. Mint history: an artist’s initials were suddenly reminiscent of along with the artwork itself. Coin 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent also marks the beginning of one of the longest-running coin series in American history.

This is why upper-grade specimens with nice original color appeal to almost all collectors and fetch several hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

To Tell a Real 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

Due to its market price, there are plenty of counterfeits around. Here are some ways to tell a genuine VDB Lincoln Cent apart:

• Mint Mark Position: The “S” mint mark should be below the date and quite well centered.
• Placement of VDB: The initials should be on the bottom reverse between the wheat stalks.
• Details: Counterfeits often exhibit soft details or altered dates/mint marks.
• Get it Graded: Always have your coin authenticated and graded by a reputable service before buying or selling.

Few coins find the fame with numismatists that the-coin-became-somewhere-with-rarity, a history that continues to evolve with rising value, and is thus coveted by those fortunate enough to possess one. It is an iconic coin that would benefit anybody, be they experts or just curious beginners, to know something about and, perhaps, go after.

If you ever come across one or intend to buy it, please make sure it comes with verification and proper storage. With its price ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands, this is truly a very different worth cent.

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