Rare 1909-S VDB Penny Still Found In Circulation – Valued At Over $900,000 Today

The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history. Even though it was made more than 100 years ago, collectors still talk about it, and in some very rare cases, people even find it in circulation today.

Many rumors claim that it can be worth over $900,000, but the truth is a little different. Let’s break down the real facts, its history, and its true value today.

Why the 1909-S VDB Penny Is So Special

1. Low mintage – Only 484,000 coins were ever made in San Francisco in 1909.
2. Designer initials – The coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, put his initials “VDB” on the back of the coin. Many people thought they were too big and bold, so the U.S. Mint quickly removed them. That means the coin with the initials was only produced for a short time.
3. Instant demand – When the coin was withdrawn, collectors rushed to get one, and it instantly became a “key date” (a must-have coin in the series).

Can You Really Find One in Circulation?

It’s extremely rare, but not impossible. Sometimes, old collections get spent by mistake, and a coin like this ends up in pocket change or in a coin roll from the bank.

Most examples today are sold by coin dealers or in auctions, but the chance of finding one in your change still excites collectors.

Key Facts About the 1909-S VDB Penny

Here is a quick overview:

Detail	Information
Mintage	484,000 coins
Mint Mark	“S” under the date (San Francisco)
Designer Initials	VDB at the bottom of the reverse
Metal	95% copper, 5% tin & zinc
Weight	About 3.11 grams
Diameter	About 19 millimeters
Record Price	$168,000 (for the best known example)
Typical Value	$800 to $8,500 depending on condition.

How Much Is It Worth?

The value depends on the condition of the coin:

• Circulated coins (used condition): $800 – $1,200
• Almost uncirculated coins: $1,500 – $3,000
• Uncirculated coins (bright and red): $5,000 – $8,500+
• Best quality (MS67RD): Record sale of $168,000

So while it’s very valuable, the claim of $900,000 is not correct. That figure often comes from confusion with other ultra-rare pennies like the 1943 bronze cent, which did sell for hundreds of thousands or more.

How to Spot a Real 1909-S VDB

Because it is such a valuable coin, many fakes exist. Here’s what to check:

1. The “S” mint mark – It should look exactly like the real 1909-S mint mark. Many fakes are just ordinary 1909 pennies with a fake “S” stamped on.
2. The VDB initials – They must be clear and sharp, located at the bottom on the back of the coin.
3. Weight and size – Around 3.11 grams and 19 mm.
4. Certification – If you think you have one, the best step is to send it to a coin grading service for authentication.

Look-Alike Coins

Many people confuse this coin with others:

• 1909-S (without VDB): Rare but not as valuable.
• 1909 VDB (no “S”): Much more common.
• Other famous rare cents (like the 1943 bronze): These are the ones that sell for $900,000 or even more, not the 1909-S VDB.

The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. With only 484,000 made, it quickly became a collector favorite and remains highly valuable today.

While it probably won’t make you a millionaire, it can still be worth anywhere from $800 to $168,000, depending on condition.

If you’re lucky enough to find one in your pocket change, you might be holding one of the most historic and valuable pennies ever made.

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