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Coin values · Key date

1909-S VDB Penny Value

The 1909-S VDB is the most famous key date of the Lincoln cent series. Only 484,000 were struck in San Francisco before designer Victor D. Brenner’s “VDB” initials were removed from the reverse — making it a prized first-year rarity.

Key facts

  • Mintage: just 484,000 — the lowest of the early Lincoln cents.
  • Look for the initials “V.D.B.” at the bottom center of the reverse and an “S” mintmark under the date.
  • A genuine 1909-S VDB is valuable in any grade; counterfeits and added-mintmark fakes are common, so authentication matters.
  • The plain 1909 VDB (no S) is far more common and inexpensive.