1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny

A Foundational Coin for Lincoln Cent Collectors

The 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the earliest and most important coins in the beloved Lincoln Cent series. While it may be overshadowed in notoriety by its “VDB” counterpart, this version - struck without the designer’s initials - still holds immense value among collectors. As one of the key dates in the series and the first San Francisco–minted Lincoln Cent, it’s a significant piece of U.S. numismatic history.

With a limited mintage, historical context tied to President Theodore Roosevelt’s coinage reform, and early design revisions, the 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny continues to be a highly coveted addition to any complete Lincoln Cent set.

The Lincoln Cent’s Inaugural Year

The Lincoln Cent debuted in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than a symbolic representation of Liberty, and its release marked a turning point in American coin design. President Roosevelt personally commissioned sculptor Victor David Brenner to create the portrait based on an 1864 photograph by Mathew Brady.

The original 1909 Lincoln Cent featured Victor David Brenner’s initials “VDB” prominently on the reverse, centered between the wheat stalks. This design choice sparked controversy, with critics claiming the initials were too large and self-promotional. In response, the U.S. Mint quickly removed the initials from the design. While the San Francisco Mint had already produced a small run of the 1909-S VDB before the change, it also struck 1,825,000 coins with the updated reverse that omitted the initials entirely. These 1909-S no VDB Lincoln Wheat Pennies are now prized for their early place in the series, low mintage, and the fact that they reflect the design correction - making them a distinctive and historically important issue in their own right.

Image source: usacoinbook.com

About the Designer: Victor David Brenner

Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor, earned his reputation through medallic artistry and portraits. His portrayal of Lincoln emphasized strength, character, and statesmanship - values admired by both Roosevelt and the public. Despite the early controversy over the placement of his initials, Brenner’s design remains largely unchanged today.

His initials were eventually reinstated on the coin in 1918, discreetly placed on Lincoln’s shoulder where they remain on modern issues.

Coin Details and Specifications

• Mint: San Francisco

• Mint Mark: S

• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

• Weight: 3.11 grams

• Diameter: 19.05 mm

• Edge: Plain

• Designer: Victor David Brenner

• Mintage: 1,825,000

• Obverse: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln with “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1909”

• Reverse: Wheat ears flanking “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

Why the 1909-S Lincoln Penny Is So Valuable

1. Low Mintage

Only 1,825,000 coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint, a fraction of the tens of millions struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

2. Historic Debut Year

As one of the original coins in the Lincoln Cent series, the 1909-S is part of the very first year of this historic design’s production.

3. VDB Controversy Fallout

The 1909-S (no VDB) was struck after the designer’s initials were removed - making it one of two distinct varieties for that year, and highly collectible in its own right.

4. Set Completion Rarity

Any complete Lincoln Wheat Cent collection must include this coin, and its relative scarcity makes it a consistent driver of demand and value.

Market Value and Investment Potential

• Circulated Condition: $130–$350+

• Uncirculated Condition: $500–$2,000+

• Top-Graded Examples (MS66RD or higher): $10,000+
  Example: A PCGS-certified MS67RD 1909-S Lincoln Cent fetched over $32,000 at a major coin auction in 2022.

Key Value Factors:

• Grade: Higher Mint State (MS) grades command significantly more.

• Color: Red (RD) examples are the most desirable, followed by Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN).

• Certification: Coins graded by PCGS or NGC are trusted and easier to sell.

• Provenance: Coins with auction records or famous ownership history often demand premiums.

Why the 1909-S Deserves a Spot in Every Collection

The 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny may not carry the VDB initials, but it remains a powerful and symbolic piece of U.S. numismatic history. Its low mintage, tie to the first year of the Lincoln Cent series, and enduring collector appeal make it a foundational coin in the pursuit of a complete Wheat Cent set.