The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $3 Billion : A rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny recently made headlines when a collector claimed it could be worth $3 billion – yes, billion with a “B”! While most pennies are worth just one cent, this specific coin might still be hiding in circulation. Here’s what makes it so special and how to spot it.
Why Is This Penny Worth $3 Billion?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | 1909-S (San Francisco) |
| Designer Initials | “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse |
| Rarity | Only 484,000 were minted |
| Normal Value | 800–1,500 (in good condition) |
| $3B Claim | A collector insists his perfect-grade specimen is worth this due to historical significance |
How to Spot the 1909-S VDB Penny
Check the Date: Must say 1909
Look for “S”: Tiny letter below the date = San Francisco mint
Find “VDB”: Designer’s initials at the bottom of the reverse (tails side)
🔍 Fun Fact: The “VDB” was removed later in 1909 after public backlash over the initials being too prominent!
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Extremely unlikely, but not impossible! Most were hoarded by collectors, but:
Check old coin jars or inherited collections
Search rolls of pennies from banks
Inspect flea market finds
What to Do If You Find One
Don’t clean it! Scratching lowers its value.
Get it graded by PCGS or NGC (costs ~$30).
Sell to collectors through auctions like Heritage.
Even a worn 1909-S VDB penny can fetch $500+, while pristine ones sell for thousands.
The $3B Debate
Most experts say the **3billionvaluationisunrealistic∗∗(eventhefinest−knownspecimensoldfor 1.7 million). But if you do find one, you’re still holding a small fortune!
