The 1909 Lincoln Penny: A $28 Million Mystery

Introduction

Discovered in a recent New York auction, a 1909 Lincoln penny has allegedly sold for an astounding $28 million, captivating collectors worldwide!
Featuring the iconic profile of Abraham Lincoln, this rare coin blends history with numismatic intrigue.
Dive into the details and learn how to identify, verify, and potentially sell your own.

The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
Crafted by Victor David Brenner, the 1909-S VDB variant, minted in San Francisco with only 484,000 pieces, became rare after the “VDB” initials were removed due to public outcry.
This scarcity has made it a prized collector’s item.

The provided image reveals a 1909 penny with the distinctive “VDB” initials on the reverse, a hallmark of the 1909-S VDB error coin!
Check the “S” Mint Mark: Look for the “S” below the date on the obverse, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint—match this with the image’s clear “S” placement.
Verify the “VDB” Initials: Confirm the legible “VDB” initials beneath the wheat stalks on the reverse, as seen in the image, with the “V” slightly slanted and the “B” showing a central crossbar tilt—features absent in later issues due to the redesign.
Examine the Mint Mark Shape: The genuine “S” mint mark should have parallel serifs, with the top of the “S” aligning above the legs of the 9s in the date, consistent with the image’s design.
Inspect the “N” in “UNITED”: On authentic coins, the “N” has a shallow appearance—compare this detail with the image to spot any irregularities.
Look for Die Position: The image aligns with one of the four known obverse dies, where the mint mark’s position is critical—use a magnifying glass to ensure consistency.
Counterfeits often show added or misaligned “VDB” initials or an “S” with uneven serifs, so cross-check every detail against the image!

List it on trusted platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions, including high-resolution photos and a detailed description highlighting the “S” mint mark and “VDB” initials.
Consider consigning it to renowned auction houses such as Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions for a premium sale.
Set a reserve price to safeguard its potential $28 million worth as of 09:39 PM +07 on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Submit your coin to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for condition and legitimacy assessment.
Provide clear images or the coin itself for evaluation, ensuring all “S” and “VDB” details match the image.
Review the certification to confirm it aligns with the 1909-S VDB traits, especially for high-value claims.

The 1909 Lincoln penny’s alleged $28 million sale underscores its status as a numismatic legend.
Verifying and potentially selling such a coin could be a life-changing opportunity for collectors or newcomers.
Share your findings or questions in the comments below!