The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and valuable Lincoln pennies in existence. It is the first Lincoln Penny to feature the initials "VDB" (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the reverse, and only a small number were minted before the initials were removed. This makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln pennies in existence.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the rarity and value of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny:
- Low Mintage: Only around 484,000 1909-S VDB Lincoln pennies were minted before the initials "VDB" were removed. This is a very small mintage compared to other Lincoln pennies, which is one of the reasons why it is so rare.
- Design Controversy: The initials "VDB" on the reverse of the 1909-S Lincoln Penny caused controversy at the time. Some people thought it was inappropriate for a designer's initials to be placed on a coin, and this led to the initials being removed from subsequent Lincoln pennies. The controversy surrounding the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny has also added to its rarity and value.
- High Demand: The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors. This high demand has also driven up the price of the coin, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln pennies in existence.
The value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny can vary depending on its condition and grade. A coin in excellent condition can be worth several thousand dollars.