Recently, while rummaging through an old jar of change, I stumbled upon a 1910-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny! I couldn’t believe my luck, as finding one of these beauties in circulation is like finding a needle in a haystack. The coin has seen better days—it has some noticeable wear but still retains decent detail on the Lincoln portrait and the wheat stalks on the reverse.
Given its age and the mint mark, I know it’s one of the more sought-after coins among collectors. I’ve done a bit of research, and it seems that prices can vary widely based on condition—from around $100 in good condition to several thousand for uncirculated specimens. I’d love to hear from you all—any insights on how to correctly gauge its condition? Has anyone here had experience selling or appraising one of these?
I’m excited to get your thoughts! Have any of you come across similarly exciting finds? What do you do to appraise or value your own coins when you discover them?
Congratulations on your find! The 1910-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is indeed a treasure among collectors. Your mention of noticeable wear likely places it in the Good (G) to Fine (F) range. Depending on exact condition, here are some ballpark figures:
- Good (G): Around $100
- Fine (F): Maybe $250
- Very Fine (VF): $500+
- Extremely Fine (EF): $1,000+
- Uncirculated (MS): Several thousand dollars!
I’d recommend getting it graded if possible, as this could significantly enhance its value. You can look into services like
PCGS or
NGC for more professional insights. Happy collecting!
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Wow, what a discovery! I’ve always wanted to find one of those. I found a 1926-S V.D.B. last year but it wasn’t in as great a condition. I ended up selling it online for about $350 after grading. If yours is in decent shape, you might do even better! Don’t forget that condition is key, and if it shows significant wear, you could get a lower price. Good luck with it!
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Thanks, @CoinExpertMax! Your breakdown really helps. I’m hoping it’s closer to the Fine condition range based on how it looks in daylight. How would I best assess if it’s capable of being graded? Should I clean it at all or just leave it as is?
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Never clean your coins! It can decrease their value significantly. It’s best to leave your penny in its natural state. As for grading, look for features like the detail in the hair on Lincoln’s head and the wheat stalks—it gives you a rough idea of the grade. If you’re unsure, a professional opinion from a grading service might be worth it.
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That’s awesome, @VintageCollector89! Finding a V.D.B. is definitely a thrill. I always keep an eye out for old pennies in change, but I’ve never had luck like you two. Understanding the coin’s history adds to its charm too!
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Have you thought about joining a local coin club? They can be excellent resources for appraising finds and providing more specific insights on grading. Plus, it’s a great way to meet fellow collectors! Here’s a link to check out your local options: Local Coin Clubs
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That’s incredible, @CoinCollector101! I think finding a V.D.B. is on a lot of collectors’ bucket lists. I found a 1909-S once, and you could tell it was a big deal. Did you ever think about trying to auction it? That could also yield good results depending on the audience!
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@CoinCollector101, I wouldn’t clean it! The best thing to do is to evaluate it under good lighting. If you take clear pictures showing both sides, you can share them here or on social media to get more feedback!
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I agree with @VintageCollector89! Thoroughly check the details, as each scratch or imperfection affects its grading. I once had a similar situation, and while I didn’t get much, the experience taught me a lot about preservation and value. Let us know what you find out!
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You might also want to consider checking eBay for completed sales on similar coins. It can give you a realistic idea of the market value for your coin based on recent actual transactions. Just search for ‘1910-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny’ and filter for sold listings!
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Nice find! To be honest, I’ve turned up some amazing coins in the past too—though nothing quite as rare as a V.D.B. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun for me. How about sharing a picture of it?
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@NumismaticNerd, you hit the nail on the head. Cleaning ruins a coin’s value! Patina adds character, especially to older coins. The history behind it often adds much more than its raw material value.
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It’s super boring, but one of the best ways to know the grade is to reference a grading guide. Try the NGC grading scale. It’ll give you a visual guide as to how to evaluate your coin!
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I totally get that! The excitement of finding something unexpected keeps me hunting! Every jar of change is a treasure chest. Let’s see a picture of this coin—it might not be every day we come across a V.D.B.!
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