Hi, Here is my 1909 S VDB Lincoln penny. It's a bit worn, but probably worth something - any thoughts as to what the grade might be? would it be worth "slabbing?" Thanks!
Probably a F-12. This is a date that should be graded. Just under a half million we’re minted and this date is the key to the series. It should be in the neighborhood of $750, a little bit more if graded and slabbed by a TPG.
I would grade it VG 10. I surely would get it only because unfortunately there are many counterfeit ones out there and having it graded makes it easier to sell when the time comes.
Yes that one is absolutely a coin that needs to be slabbed. Because it is a highly sought after coin there are many counterfeits and the savvy collector will turn it away unless authenticated. Two years ago I gave $450.00 for a very damaged 09-S, VDB. I believe you would see $700.00 or better in F12.
It looks like it may have been cleaned. Even if it doesn't get a straight grade, it's worth getting certified. The mintage was a bit under 500,000. There might be more them now than there were in 1909, if you get my drift. This is one of the most counterfeited of all collector coins. As a dealer, I bought a couple of these pieces raw from collectors, but I would never have sold them without certification. There are just too many headaches with doing that.
