1909 Penny Value
A worn 1909 (no VDB) penny sells for about $3–7.
Uncirculated, that coin brings $20–45, and a certified MS65 brings $160–275. The 1909-S VDB is worth the most: about $800–1,400 even when worn.
It's worth more than face value even when worn. Compare it with the table and check for the varieties below before selling. The 1909-S VDB is worth the most in worn condition, so check the mint mark first.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 VDB (no mint mark) | 27,995,000 | $8–20 | $30–60 | $175–275 |
| 1909 (no VDB) | 72,702,618 | $3–7 | $20–45 | $160–275 |
| 1909-S VDB | 484,000 | $800–1,400 | $2,000–3,000 | $6,500–10,000 |
| 1909-S (no VDB) | 1,825,000 | $90–175 | $350–550 | $1,800–3,000 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), 3.11 grams, about 4¢ of copper
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
1909-S VDB
Look for: An S below the date on the front and the letters VDB at the bottom of the back.
The key date of the whole Lincoln cent series.
Value: see the table above.
1909 VDB
Look for: VDB at the bottom of the back and no mint mark.
Made only in the first weeks before the initials were removed; worth a premium over a plain 1909.
Value: see the table above.
1909-S (no VDB)
Look for: An S below the date and no initials on the back.
Low mintage; a semi-key date.
Value: see the table above.
1909-S, S over horizontal S
Look for: On a 1909-S without VDB: traces of a sideways S under the upright S mint mark (needs magnification).
A recognized repunched mint mark variety.
Typical value: $90–300
1909 VDB doubled die obverse
Look for: Doubling on LIBERTY and the date of a 1909 VDB cent.
A recognized doubled die with a premium over a normal 1909 VDB.
Typical value: $25–100
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1909 VDB (no mint mark) | For circulation | 27,995,000 |
| 1909 (no VDB) | For circulation | 72,702,618 |
| 1909-S VDB | For circulation | 484,000 |
| 1909-S (no VDB) | For circulation | 1,825,000 |
| 1909 VDB (no mint mark) | Proof (collector) — vdb | 1,194 |
| 1909 (no VDB) | Proof (collector) — no vdb | 2,352 |
Questions
Is a 1909 penny silver?
No. 1909 pennies are made of bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc).
Which 1909 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1909-S VDB is worth the most, about $6,500–10,000 in MS65. The 1909-S VDB is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $800–2,000.
Where is the mint mark on a 1909 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1909 pennies on eBay.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.