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! 💬