In a small town in New England, something amazing happened during a normal kitchen renovation. While removing old cabinets, a homeowner found an old Lincoln penny hidden behind an antique wall clock. At first, it looked like a regular penny. But on closer look, it was a rare 1909-S VDB penny, a coin very special to collectors. This penny is now creating excitement among coin lovers and historians. Let’s learn why this penny is so important, how it was found, and what might happen next.
What Makes the 1909-S VDB Penny So Special?
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the United States. It was made in San Francisco in 1909, the very first year the Lincoln penny was created. The coin shows the initials “VDB,” which stand for Victor David Brenner, the designer, on its back. People didn’t like the big letters, so only 484,000 of these pennies were made before the design was changed. Because of this, the penny is very rare and valuable.
Greg Holloway, a coin expert from the American Numismatic Association, says, “Even if the penny shows some use, it can be worth thousands of dollars. If it is in great condition, it might be worth tens of thousands or more.”
The Exciting Discovery Behind the Clock
Sarah Whitmore, the homeowner, found the penny when her contractor took down an old clock from the kitchen wall. “The clock hadn’t been moved for years,” she said. “When it came off, the penny dropped to the floor.” At first, the penny looked normal, but Sarah noticed the unusual date and letters on it. She posted a photo of the coin online, and collectors quickly realized how important it was.
The coin was in very good shape with clear details. It looked like it had just come off the mint a long time ago before slipping behind the clock. This made the find even more exciting.
Authentication and Grading
To check the penny’s true value, Sarah sent it to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Experts there confirmed it was a genuine 1909-S VDB penny. They gave it a grade of MS-65 Red, which means it is in near-perfect condition. Such a high grade is very rare for this penny and increases its value.
What Could Happen to the Penny?
Since the news came out, many collectors and auction houses have shown interest in the penny. Early offers have reportedly gone up to $85,000. But Sarah hasn’t decided what to do yet. She said, “It’s hard to believe something so small can be worth so much.” For now, she is enjoying the discovery and checking her house for more hidden treasures.
Other Rare Penny Finds
This is not the only rare penny story. For example, a 1972 Lincoln penny without a mintmark is very rare because it was a mistake by the mint. Another famous find is a Kennedy coin discovered in an old toolbox that is now worth more than $50,000. Mistakes and rare coins like these excite collectors worldwide.
Why Are Old Pennies So Important?
Old pennies like the 1909-S VDB tell stories about history and money. They show how coins were made in the past and remind us of small changes and mistakes that happened long ago. For collectors, these pennies are treasures worth a lot of money. For history lovers, they are pieces of the past that survived for many years.
FAQs – Lincoln Penny Found Behind Wall Clock
- Why is this penny special?
It is a rare 1909-S VDB penny, the first year the Lincoln penny was made, with only 484,000 ever produced. - How was it found?
It was discovered during a kitchen renovation, hidden behind an old wall clock. - What is the penny’s estimated value?
Experts say it could be worth over $85,000 because it is rare and in great condition. - What does “VDB” mean?
“VDB” stands for Victor David Brenner, the penny’s designer, whose initials are on the coin. - How can you tell if a penny is rare?
Look at the date, the mintmark, and the condition. Some pennies, like the 1909-S VDB, are very rare and valuable.
Conclusion
Finding a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny behind an old wall clock shows that history can hide in the smallest places. This penny is not just money; it is a rare part of American history that excites collectors everywhere. Whether Sarah keeps it or sells it, the penny’s story will inspire others to look closely at old things—they might find a treasure too. Discoveries like this remind us that even small everyday objects can hold great value and tell stories from the past.
