1909 VDB Penny: The 1909 VDB Penny is one of the most fascinating coins in American history. What was meant to be a simple tribute to Abraham Lincoln quickly turned into a national controversy. The coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, placed his initials—VDB—on the reverse, igniting a debate over whether an artist’s signature should be so prominent on U.S. currency.
Despite its short-lived production, the 1909 VDB Penny remains highly collectible, especially in rare variations like the 1909-S VDB Penny minted in San Francisco. But what caused all the fuss? And how much is this penny worth today? Let’s take a deep dive into the story behind this legendary coin.
Quick Facts About the 1909 VDB Penny
| Feature | Details |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
| Metal Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Edge | Plain |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln’s Portrait |
| Reverse Design | Two wheat stalks with “One Cent” |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) or “S” (San Francisco) |
| V.D.B. Initials | Present on early 1909 coins, later removed |
The Birth of the Lincoln Cent
Before 1909, U.S. coins featured mythical or allegorical figures like Lady Liberty instead of real people. However, as the nation approached the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, President Theodore Roosevelt decided it was time for a change.
Roosevelt was impressed by the work of Victor David Brenner, a talented sculptor, and recommended him to design the new one-cent coin. Brenner’s design featured a detailed portrait of Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, symbolizing prosperity. The new penny was set to make history—but not in the way people expected.
The VDB Controversy: Too Much Credit for the Artist?
When the 1909 VDB Penny was released, many were outraged by the large “VDB” initials on the reverse. Critics, including newspaper editors and politicians, argued that the initials were too prominent and that no other U.S. coin had ever featured such bold artist recognition.
Some saw it as self-promotion, claiming that Brenner had taken too much credit for his work. The backlash was so strong that the U.S. Mint quickly removed the initials, making the original VDB pennies instantly rare.
Today, this controversy is part of what makes the 1909 VDB Penny so valuable. The coins with the VDB initials are highly sought after, with collectors willing to pay thousands of dollars to own a piece of this short-lived minting.
1909 VDB Penny Variations
While millions of 1909 pennies were minted, only two versions carried the VDB initials. These variations determine the rarity and value of the coin today.
1. 1909 VDB Penny (Philadelphia Mint – No Mint Mark)
- This version was minted in Philadelphia and had the VDB initials on the reverse.
- A total of 27,995,000 coins were produced, making it more common than the San Francisco version.
- It remains valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny (San Francisco Mint – “S” Mint Mark)
- The San Francisco Mint produced a much smaller quantity, with only 484,000 struck.
- This makes it one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln Cents in existence.
- In high-grade condition, a 1909-S VDB Penny can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Other 1909 Pennies (No VDB Initials)
- After the controversy, the U.S. Mint removed the initials, producing new 1909 pennies without VDB.
- These include the 1909 (Philadelphia, No VDB) and 1909-S (San Francisco, No VDB).
- While still collectible, they are not as valuable as the VDB versions.
Rare Errors in the 1909 VDB Penny
Collectors love error coins, and even the 1909 VDB Penny has some rare mistakes that make them even more valuable. Here are two notable examples:
- 1909/8 Overdate Error – A rare coin where a 1908 date was overstruck with 1909. These are incredibly scarce and can fetch high prices at auctions.
- Doubled Die Obverse – Some 1909 pennies have noticeable doubling on Lincoln’s face or lettering. This minting error makes them more desirable to collectors.
If you think you have a 1909 VDB Penny, it’s worth checking for these errors—you might be holding a small fortune!
How Much is a 1909 VDB Penny Worth Today?
The value of a 1909 VDB Penny depends on condition, mint mark, and color designation. Here’s a breakdown of estimated values in 2025:
| Variety | Condition | Estimated Value |
| 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint) | Brown (BN) | Up to $185 |
| 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint) | Red & Brown (RB) | Up to $23,000 |
| 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint) | Red (RD) | Up to $60,000 |
| 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint) | Brown (BN) | Up to $750 |
| 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint) | Red & Brown (RB) | Up to $40,000 |
| 1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint) | Red (RD) | Up to $150,000 |
| 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse | Various Grades | Up to $2,000 |
| 1909 VDB 1909/8 Overdate Error | Various Grades | Up to $2,000 |
If you own a 1909 VDB Penny, consider getting it professionally graded to determine its true market value.
Final Thoughts
The 1909 VDB Penny remains one of the most iconic and controversial coins in U.S. history. What started as a simple tribute to Abraham Lincoln turned into a national debate, leaving behind a rare and valuable collectible that is still sought after today.
Do you own a 1909 VDB Penny? Have you ever found one in an old collection? Share your story in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with other coin enthusiasts!