Coins tell fascinating stories about history, culture, and craftsmanship. Among them, the 1909-S VDB penny stands out as a prized collector’s item. While rumors of it being worth $2 million are exaggerated, its value remains impressive. Let’s look into what makes this penny special, its true worth, and five other extraordinary coins that have fetched record-breaking prices.
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1909-S VDB Penny Worth $2 Million
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents, but it doesn’t quite reach the $2 million mark. However, depending on its condition, it can still fetch a significant price.
| Coin | Year | Notable Sale | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | $168,000 (MS67RD, 2022) | $300 – $1,800+ |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | Over $10 million (2013) | Often above $1 million |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million (2021) | Auction-only, millions |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million (2018) | Millions |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dollar | 1804 | $3.8 million (2017) | $1 million+ |
| 1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle | 1861 | $7.2 million (2021) | Rare and highly collectible |
Valuable
The 1909-S VDB penny is often called the “holy grail” of Lincoln cents. Here’s why it’s so highly valued:
Limited Mintage
Only 484,000 coins were minted in San Francisco, making it one of the rarest Lincoln pennies.
Historical Significance
This coin marks the first year of the Lincoln cent series, replacing the Indian Head penny. The initials “VDB” stand for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer.
Collector Demand
Due to its low supply and high popularity, collectors are always looking for well-preserved examples, driving up its value.
In circulated condition, this coin is worth around $700 to $800. Uncirculated examples can sell for over $1,800, while the highest-graded versions have reached $168,000 at auction.
5 More Coins
Beyond the 1909-S VDB penny, several other rare coins have reached jaw-dropping prices. Here are five of the most valuable:
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This coin represents the first silver dollar minted by the U.S. government. With only about 140 known specimens, it symbolizes national pride and craftsmanship.
- Record Sale: Over $10 million (2013)
- Why It’s Valuable: First U.S. silver dollar, limited surviving specimens
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin’s story is as remarkable as its design. Due to a 1933 executive order banning gold ownership, most of these coins were melted down. However, a few escaped, making them extremely rare.
- Record Sale: $18.9 million (2021)
- Why It’s Valuable: Most were destroyed, only a few exist in private hands
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five examples of this mysterious nickel exist. It was never officially authorized for production, adding to its intrigue.
- Record Sale: $4.5 million (2018)
- Why It’s Valuable: Unofficially minted, extreme rarity
4. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
Often referred to as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 dollar was actually minted in the 1830s as a diplomatic gift.
- Record Sale: $3.8 million (2017)
- Why It’s Valuable: Produced as a special diplomatic issue, extremely rare
5. 1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle
Designed by Anthony Paquet, this $20 gold coin features a unique reverse design that was never widely released.
- Record Sale: $7.2 million (2021)
- Why It’s Valuable: Discontinued design, extremely rare
Tips for Collecting Rare Coins
Want to get into coin collecting? Here are some tips to help you build a valuable collection:
1. Educate Yourself
Read books like A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman. Join organizations like the American Numismatic Association to learn from experts.
2. Start Small
Look for affordable yet interesting coins like wheat pennies or buffalo nickels. These are easy to find and a great way to learn about collecting.
3. Verify Authenticity
Use professional grading services such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
4. Store Coins Properly
Protect your coins from damage by using acid-free holders or slabs. Keep them in a climate-controlled environment to prevent tarnishing.
5. Follow the Market
Monitor auctions and collector forums to stay updated on price trends. Websites like Heritage Auctions and CoinWeek provide valuable insights.
6. Network with Collectors
Attend coin shows, auctions, and join online communities. Connecting with fellow collectors can provide valuable knowledge and buying opportunities.
Collecting rare coins is more than just an investment—it’s a way to own a piece of history. Whether you’re searching for the elusive 1909-S VDB penny or dreaming of finding a multi-million dollar rarity, the world of numismatics offers endless excitement. Who knows? Your next coin could be worth a fortune.
FAQs
How much is a 1909-S VDB penny worth?
Depending on condition, it ranges from $300 to over $168,000.
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny valuable?
It had a low mintage of 484,000 and was the first Lincoln cent.
What is the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which sold for $18.9 million.
How can I tell if my penny is a 1909-S VDB?
Look for the ‘S’ mint mark and ‘VDB’ initials on the reverse side.
Should I clean my rare coin?
No, cleaning can reduce its value significantly.
