Numismatics has reached astonishing milestones, such as the 2023 auction of a 1909 penny for $60,000 through Heritage Auctions, driven by competition from 37 bidders. The value of these pieces depends on Victor David Brenner’s signature with the initials “V.D.B.,” as well as the preservation of a deep red tone, characteristic of Red Lincoln pennies. The magnitude of this market is reflected in even larger records, such as the 2022 sale of a similar specimen for $365,000 at Great Collections, where four other coins from 1909 and 1915 each exceeded $100,000, prompting people to search for these treasures in banks, drawers, or platforms like eBay.
1909 Lincoln penny
What for some may be just loose change in their pockets or in the car ashtray, for others could be the reason to significantly increase their wealth. The world of numismatics and its market has shown that ‘small change’ can sometimes be a gold mine for those who understand the secrets of coin making. The most recent and conclusive proof took place in 2023, when an auction nearly turned into a full-blown battle.
The event was managed by the renowned Heritage Auctions, and the object in question was a 1909 Lincoln cent, whose release to the market generated immediate excitement. There were 37 bidders who competed fiercely to acquire it, reaching the amount of $60,000. The detail that made this specimen unique was not only that it retained its deep red color, but also that it carried the signature of the Lithuanian-American sculptor Victor David Brenner, responsible for the coin’s design. On the lower part of the back, ‘V.D.B’ could be read.
Other records
In 2022, the firm Great Collections organized the auction of another 1909 Lincoln cent, which also featured Brenner’s design, and it sold for $365,000. This was not an isolated case at that event, as four other coins minted between 1909 and 1915 individually surpassed $100,000. According to experts, it is undeniable that the numismatic market moves a lot of money, so if you want to take part, they recommend checking old coins or even the ones you get as change from a coffee. If you find the initials V.D.B and its color is unusual, you could be looking at a coin of incalculable value!
Frequently asked questions
Why do the initials V.D.B. increase the value of a 1909 penny so much?
These initials belong to Victor David Brenner, the Lithuanian-American sculptor who designed the coin. Their presence at the bottom of the reverse acts as an artist’s signature, which, combined with the coin’s age, makes it an extremely rare object of desire for collectors, driving its price up to tens of thousands of dollars.
What importance does the red color have in valuing these old coins?
The color is a determining factor in their condition and rarity. While most old pennies darken over time, the so-called “Red Lincoln pennies” retain their original shine and red tone. A specimen that keeps this deep color, like the one auctioned in 2023 for $60,000, is much more valuable because it shows that the coin has barely suffered any wear or oxidation.
What have been the most impressive sales records for these pieces?
Although the Heritage Auctions sale in 2023 reached $60,000, there are higher records. In 2022, the firm Great Collections sold a similar item for $365,000. In that same event, the magnitude of the market became clear when four other coins minted between 1909 and 1915 individually surpassed the $100,000 mark.
