A LINCOLN penny recently fetched a jaw-dropping $66,000 at auction, thanks to a combination of rarity, condition, and a unique “matte” detail.
But to find out if you have one of these valuable coins sitting in your collection, you need to check for a very specific date and mintmark.
The penny in question is the 1909-S VDB cent, a rare and highly sought-after coin among collectors, per Heritage Auctions.
This specific penny was graded as MS65 Red and Brown by PCGS Professional Coin Grading Service.
It has also earned a Certified Acceptance Corporation sticker, further boosting its value.
WHY SO VALUABLE?
The 1909-S VDB cent stands out because it was part of the first year of issue for the Lincoln cent series.
It was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner, per the auctioneering site.
The “S” mintmark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Meanwhile “VDB” represents Brenner’s initials, located on the reverse side of the coin near the rim.
Due to complaints from the public about the prominence of Brenner’s initials, the Mint quickly removed them.
This made the 1909-S VDB cents in circulation scarce.
Only 484,000 were ever produced, making them one of the lowest-mintage Lincoln pennies.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
The 1909-S VDB penny that was recently sold was graded MS65 Red and Brown.
This means that it has a significant amount of its original red luster intact — around 90%, according to the grading notes.
The coin’s bold strike and sharp details, particularly Brenner’s initials, add to its visual appeal.
How coins are graded
Coins are graded on a scale of one to 70, with one being the poorest grade, and 70 being the most pristine example.
Numbers 60 to 70 are generally the most sought-after by collectors and are known as Mint State coins.
Pieces that fetch thousands at auction are commonly found in MS67, MS68, and MS69 conditions.
An MS-70 is near-impossible to find among older coins.
These characteristics, combined with its scarcity, helped drive its impressive auction price.
The weight of the coin is 3.11 grams, made from 95% copper and a small mixture of tin and zinc.
These details contribute to its classification as a Red and Brown coin.
HOW TO SPOT
If you’re hoping to find one of these valuable coins in your collection, look for some key details.
The coin must be from 1909 with an “S” mintmark below the date.
And you should check the reverse side of the penny at the bottom rim to see if it bears Brenner’s initials “VDB.”
Even if your coin shows some wear or lacks the bright red luster, it could still be worth thousands of dollars, as even lower-graded 1909-S VDB pennies are in high demand among collectors.
