Any 1909 VDB, regardless of condition, is worth more to collectors than a average common date circulated wheat penny... so of course you should keep it separate. Even if lower grades they still usually sell for around $10 each, give or take a few bucks. From a historical standpoint it's also a really cool coin. It was the first Lincoln cent issued of the 100+ year run of Lincoln cents. Moreover, they only minted the VDB for around a week before the reverse design was swapped out for the non-VDB variety. Definitely a keeper!
Thanks! I actually found it in my grandfathers penny bag that had like 1000 pennies. I found 17 wheat pennies and got all of them. There were a lot of 1957's in the wheat pennies. When I found the 1909 I was surprised!
Nice find! 28 million were produced! - circulated examples bring $10 - $20 easily on eBay. The historical significance give the coin a lot of value. Protect it in a flip at a minimum! If you are interested, There are a few circulated examples near the bottom of this set that should give you a good idea of where your coin might grade. http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=1209 The 1909 VDB is the most celebrated of the Lincoln cents for many reasons. It was the first Lincoln cent released as a tribute to the Centennial of Lincolns Birth. It bore the brunt of controversy about the sculptors initials that appear on the bottom of the reverse.
I agree, this coin will always be special due to its history and the mandated changes with the initials
It's a rarer variety, top 10% of wheaties in terms of values. Keep it in a better quality holder (2x2, flip, etc)
Here is a great example of a VDB that is absolutely....! ..... going into a 2x2 at a minimum. First glance, is that the this coin might be damaged. worthless. Nope, I think this is evidence that ol' abe was not just a smoker, he was a toker too. Exhibit "A" Click twice on the obverse pic and you too can see double!! Picked from a pile of wheaties at a recent coin show for $10
