The 1909 wheat pennies have value as numismatic coins. Keep reading to learn more about these one cent coins.
Specifications
Type: Wheat Penny
Year: 1909
Face Value: $0.01
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Total Weight: 3.11 grams
This was the first year that wheat pennies were minted. The US minted the 1909 wheat penny with no mint mark and also the 1909 S wheat penny. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin below the date.
Victor D. Brenner designed the wheat penny and his initials (V.D.B) can be found on the reverse side of a limited number of cents. The image below shows where his initials are located.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1909 | Philadelphia | 72,702,618 |
| 1909 VDB | Philadelphia | 27,995,000 |
| 1909 S | San Francisco | 1,825,000 |
| 1909 S VDB | San Francisco | 484,000 |
Value
The value is going to depend on the coin's condition and whether it's a standard penny or a VBD penny.
Standard Pennies
The 1909 wheat penny with no mint mark is worth around $3 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $6. In extremely fine condition the value is around $8. In uncirculated condition the price is around $17 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $25.
The 1909 S wheat penny is worth around $95 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $140. In extremely fine condition the value is around $160. In uncirculated condition the price is around $350 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $400.
Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $750 in MS 63 condition. There were 2,618 proof coins minted.
S Over Horizontal S Error Coins
There is a notable error variety for the 1909 S wheat penny. On these error coins the S mint mark is minted over a horizontal S.
The 1909 S over horizontal S wheat penny is worth around $100 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $175. In extremely fine condition the value is around $200. In uncirculated condition the price is around $375 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $425.
VBD Pennies
The 1909 VBD wheat penny with no mint mark is worth around $6 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $12. In extremely fine condition the value is around $15. In uncirculated condition the price is around $30 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $35.
The 1909 S VBD wheat penny is worth around $800 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $1,150. In extremely fine condition the value is around $1,500. In uncirculated condition the price is around $2,000 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $2,500.
VBD proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $15,000 in MS 63 condition. There were 1,194 proof coins minted.
Doubled Die Obverse Error Coins
There is a notable error variety for the 1909 VBD penny with no mint mark. On the obverse side of the coin the design elements are minted twice onto the coin.
The 1909 VBD wheat penny doubled die error coin is worth around $25 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $85. In extremely fine condition the value is around $135. In uncirculated condition the price is around $225 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $250.
Grading System
Good- The date is worn but visible. The lines in the wheat heads are not visible. The rims on the coin are full.
Very fine- Lincoln's jawbone and cheekbone are worn but still separated. The wheat heads are not worn.
Extremely fine- There is only slight wear on the coin. All of the details are sharp.
MS 60 uncirculated- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.
MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.
Sources:
The Red Book
See also: