Rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Found in Sandwich Bag: A $100K+ Treasure Hidden in Plain Sight
Ever imagined finding something truly valuable where you’d least expect it? That’s exactly what happened to one fortunate coin collector who unearthed a rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent tucked away in a simple sandwich bag full of ordinary change.
This tiny copper penny—no bigger than the tip of your finger—might look unremarkable, but it’s worth over $100,000. It’s the kind of find that feels like discovering a diamond in a pile of gravel.
Coin enthusiasts everywhere are buzzing over this incredible discovery. But what exactly makes this small coin so desirable? And could you possibly have one hiding among your own loose change?
Let’s unravel the story behind the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent and why it has become one of the most sought-after coins in American history.
How a Penny Became a Numismatic Icon
To fully appreciate this rare find, we have to go back to the year 1909. That’s when President Theodore Roosevelt, unhappy with the uninspired look of U.S. coins, began pushing for a major redesign of the country’s currency.
He hired artist Victor David Brenner to create a new image for the one-cent piece. Brenner chose to honor Abraham Lincoln in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the president’s birth—marking the first time a real person’s portrait appeared on U.S. currency.
The result was the Lincoln penny we all recognize today. But Brenner, proud of his contribution, added his initials—“VDB”—to the bottom of the reverse side. This seemingly minor detail would go on to spark a nationwide uproar and turn the coin into a legend.
The Controversy That Made the Coin Famous
Now picture this: The brand-new penny is released on August 2, 1909, and people immediately notice that the designer’s initials are prominently displayed on the back. Some saw it as self-promotion, and soon, the backlash grew too loud to ignore.
Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh quickly ordered the initials to be removed from future versions of the coin. But the San Francisco Mint had already produced a limited run of these VDB-stamped pennies.
Only 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB cents were ever struck before the change took effect. That limited number instantly turned it into a collector’s dream—and one of the rarest Lincoln cents ever made.
Why the 1909-S VDB Is Worth a Fortune
You might be asking yourself, “Why would anyone pay over six figures for a single penny?” The answer lies in a few key factors:
Scarcity: With fewer than half a million produced, it’s among the rarest in the Lincoln cent series.
Historical Impact: This coin marks a major moment in U.S. coin design and a unique controversy.
Preservation: Condition is everything—well-kept specimens can skyrocket in value.
Collector Craze: It’s considered the crown jewel of Lincoln cents and is in constant demand.
Think of it like a rare first-edition book or an original piece of art—the better it’s preserved and the rarer it is, the more collectors are willing to pay. A pristine 1909-S VDB is the coin world’s equivalent of a vintage bottle of 1945 Château Lafite Rothschild.
Coin Grading: How Condition Drives Value
When it comes to coin value, condition is king. The difference between a worn example and one in mint state can mean tens of thousands of dollars.
Professional grading companies such as NGC and PCGS use a 70-point scale to rate coins. Here’s a breakdown of how much a 1909-S VDB might fetch at various grades:
| Grade | Description | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (heavily worn) | $750 – $1,000 |
| F-12 | Fine | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| MS-63 | Mint State | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| MS-66 | Gem Condition | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| MS-67+ | Superb Gem | $100,000+ |
The penny found in the sandwich bag? Experts believe it’s between MS-66 and MS-67, which explains its eye-popping estimated value.
Could You Have One of These in Your Coin Jar?
Now that you know what this coin is and why it’s valuable, it might be time to go through your own stash of coins. While discovering a 1909-S VDB is rare, it’s not out of the question. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
The Date: Look for “1909” on the front.
The Mint Mark: A small “S” under the date means it came from the San Francisco Mint.
The Initials: Flip the coin over—“VDB” should appear along the bottom edge of the reverse.
Fakes Exist: Due to the coin’s high value, many counterfeits are in circulation. If you think you’ve found one, have it verified by a reputable professional.
Even if it’s not a 1909-S VDB, other early Lincoln cents can also carry significant value. It’s like looking for treasure—you might not find the crown jewel, but you could still discover something worth keeping.
Why Coin Collecting Still Captures the Imagination
Part of the magic of coin collecting is that incredible finds can come from the most unexpected places. The sandwich bag story proves that you don’t need to be a professional numismatist to strike gold—or copper.
It’s a hobby filled with history, mystery, and the thrill of the hunt. Every coin has a backstory, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent just happens to have one of the most exciting tales in the field.
Conclusion
The tale of a $100,000 Lincoln penny discovered in an everyday sandwich bag is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a reminder of the hidden gems that might be lying around unnoticed in our homes.
Even if you never uncover a six-figure coin, there’s joy in the hunt and value in the history each piece carries. Coin collecting offers a mix of adventure, education, and surprise.
So before you toss that handful of change into a jar or vending machine, take a second look. You might be holding a tiny piece of American history worth far more than one cent.
FAQs About the Rare 1909-S VDB Penny
1. How do I know if my 1909 penny is a rare S VDB version?
Look for “1909” on the obverse (front), an “S” mint mark under the date, and the initials “VDB” on the reverse near the bottom rim. Be cautious of replicas and have it authenticated if you’re unsure.
2. Why were Brenner’s initials removed from the penny?
The large initials on the reverse caused public backlash, with critics saying it felt like a signature. The Treasury responded by removing them, making the coins with “VDB” extremely rare.
3. Are all 1909 pennies valuable?
Some are more valuable than others. While the 1909-S VDB is the rarest, other varieties like the 1909 VDB (no “S”) and 1909-S (no VDB) are also collectible, though typically not as valuable.
4. What should I do if I find a 1909-S VDB?
Handle it carefully, avoid cleaning it, and store it securely. Get it evaluated by a professional grading service to determine its authenticity and condition, which directly affects its value.
5. Has the 1909-S VDB’s value gone up over time?
Yes, its value has increased steadily. In the mid-1900s, it was worth a few hundred dollars. Today, top-condition specimens can sell for $100,000 or more, though prices can vary depending on market trends.
