Coin collecting is an exciting hobby, and for beginners, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. While rare coins worth thousands of dollars grab the headlines, there’s one special penny that is both accessible and valuable for new collectors. Whether you’re searching through pocket change or coin rolls, finding this particular penny could be the start of a rewarding collection. So, what is the one penny every beginner should look for? Let’s explore its history, value, and why it’s a must-have for anyone starting in numismatics.
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny is the first U.S. one-cent coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. Before 1909, U.S. cents displayed Lady Liberty in various forms. The Lincoln cent was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and was designed by Victor David Brenner. This historic penny comes in several variations, but the most sought-after by collectors is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny. Here’s why:
- VDB Initials: The letters “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner) appear at the bottom of the reverse side. These initials were later removed due to controversy, making the 1909 VDB pennies rare.
- San Francisco Mint Mark (S): The 1909-S VDB penny had a limited mintage of only 484,000 coins, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents.
- Composition: These pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, unlike today’s mostly zinc pennies.
While the 1909-S VDB is the rarest, even the more common 1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint, no “S”) is valuable and highly desirable for new collectors.
Why This Penny is Perfect for Beginners
1. Historical Significance
- The 1909 penny marks the beginning of the Lincoln cent series, one of the longest-running U.S. coin designs.
2. Accessible Yet Valuable
- While the 1909-S VDB penny can sell for over $1,000, the 1909 VDB (without the “S”) is more affordable, often valued between $10 and $100, making it a great first investment.
3. Easy to Identify
- Unlike other rare coins that require magnification to spot errors, the 1909 VDB penny is easy to recognize by checking for the initials on the reverse.
4. High Demand in the Market
- Since it’s a key coin in the Lincoln cent series, its demand remains strong, making it a good investment.
For any beginner in coin collecting, the 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is the perfect coin to start with. It has historical value, is easy to find in collections and coin shops, and has the potential to increase in value over time. Whether you aim to build a full Lincoln cent collection or just want to own a piece of history, this penny is a must-have. Keep an eye out—you might just come across one in a collection, estate sale, or even pocket change!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if I have a valuable 1909 Lincoln Penny?
Look for the VDB initials on the reverse and check for an “S” mint mark below the date. The 1909-S VDB is the rarest and most valuable.
2. How much is a 1909 VDB penny worth?
1909-S VDB: $1,000+ (depending on condition)
1909 VDB (no S): $10–$100+
3. Why were the VDB initials removed?
Some people felt the initials were too large and gave too much credit to the designer, so the U.S. Mint removed them later in 1909.
4. Where can I find a 1909 VDB penny?
Check coin shops, estate sales, online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), and old coin collections.
5. Should I get my 1909 penny professionally graded?
Yes! If your coin is in good condition, professional grading (PCGS, NGC) can verify its authenticity and increase its value in the market.
