CoinsIdentification
US Penny Catalog · Lincoln Wheat Cent

1909 VDB Penny

The 1909 VDB Penny is a first-year Lincoln Wheat Cent with Victor David Brenner initials on the reverse. The Philadelphia issue has no mint mark, so the missing S is an important identification clue.

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Reviewed by the Coins Identification editorial team · Updated September 14, 2026

1909 VDB Penny obverse and reverse
Editorial illustration — use the specifications and cited references for identification.
DenominationOne cent
Composition95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
EdgePlain
60-second identification

Five checks that should agree

A 1909 VDB from Philadelphia has no mint mark and shows V.D.B. at the bottom of the wheat reverse. Do not confuse it with the scarcer 1909-S VDB.

  1. 01
    Date

    Confirm the 1909 date.

  2. 02
    Mint mark

    No mint mark means Philadelphia; an S changes the attribution to 1909-S.

  3. 03
    V.D.B.

    Look for the initials at the bottom of the wheat reverse.

  4. 04
    Weight

    A normal bronze cent is about 3.11 g.

  5. 05
    Surface

    Record color and wear without cleaning the coin.

Normal issue or warning sign?

Separate evidence from excitement

One unusual color is not enough. Use magnet response, weight, design and surface together.

Expected

Expected 1909 Philadelphia VDB profile

A regular 1909 VDB has no mint mark, a bronze composition, a plain edge, a wheat reverse and V.D.B. at the bottom. Circulated examples often show brown surfaces.

Needs expert review

Do not mistake no mint mark for 1909-S VDB

Philadelphia cents have no mint mark. An S below the date identifies a different and scarcer 1909-S VDB issue; added or altered mint marks need expert review.

Find the mint mark

Look directly below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter. If an S is visible, compare it carefully because the mint mark changes the variety and market context.

Mint locations
Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Reverse
Two wheat ears with V.D.B. at the bottom

Judge condition honestly

Numerical grade, BN/RB/RD color, strike and surface originality all matter. Brightly polished or recolored copper is not the same as original Red.

Do not clean itHold the coin by its edge and keep it dry in an inert holder.
Researching value

Build a comparable price range

The Philadelphia 1909 VDB is collectible and generally less scarce than the 1909-S VDB. Compare the exact grade, color and surface with certified examples rather than using the famous S-mint price as a reference.

  1. 1

    Identify the exact date, mint and metal.

  2. 2

    Describe wear, color and surface problems.

  3. 3

    Compare recent completed sales, not asking prices.

  4. 4

    Authenticate unusual metal or high-value claims.

Common questions

1909 VDB Penny FAQ

What does VDB mean?

V.D.B. refers to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent.

Does a 1909 VDB have a mint mark?

The Philadelphia issue has no mint mark. An S below the date indicates the separate 1909-S VDB.

Where are the V.D.B. initials?

They are at the bottom of the reverse below the wheat ears.

How much is a 1909 VDB Penny worth?

Value varies by grade, color, surface and authenticity. It is usually priced separately from the scarcer 1909-S VDB.

Should I clean it?

No. Cleaning and polishing can lower collector value and remove useful surface evidence.

Reference sources

Further reference names

Source organizations are listed for reference; catalog pages do not send visitors to third-party sites.

  • PCGS Lincoln cent collector guide
  • PCGS CoinFacts — 1909 VDB
  • U.S. Mint — Penny