Sometimes, the past hides in the most unexpected places. That’s what happened to a family in Ohio when they made an amazing discovery during a home renovation. Behind an old wall clock, they found a rare Lincoln penny that has now caught the attention of coin collectors everywhere.
A Simple Home Fix Turned Into a Big Surprise
It all began when the family started fixing up their house, which was built back in the 1940s. As they took down an old wall clock that had likely been there for decades, something small fell out—a penny.
At first, they thought it was just a regular coin. But when they looked closer, they noticed it looked different and older than usual. That’s when they began to suspect it might be valuable.
What Made This Penny Stand Out?
This wasn’t just any coin. It looked darker than a normal penny and had sharp, detailed features. Experts believe it could be a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny—one of the rarest pennies in U.S. history.
This coin has a few unique signs:
- The letters “V.D.B.” on the back, for the designer Victor David Brenner.
- A small “S” mint mark, meaning it was made in San Francisco.
These details are what make it special. If it’s a real one and in good condition, it could be worth tens of thousands of dollars—or even more.
Why Is This Penny So Rare and Expensive?
The 1909-S VDB penny is famous among collectors for good reason. It was the first year the U.S. Mint made pennies with Abraham Lincoln’s face on them. But soon after the release, people complained about the designer’s initials being too large.
Because of that, the Mint quickly removed the “V.D.B.” from future coins, making the ones that still had them very limited. Fewer than 500,000 of these coins were ever made.
That’s why if you find one, especially in great shape, it can be extremely valuable.
The Coin Collecting World Is Buzzing
As soon as the story of this found penny got out, coin collectors began talking. Forums, social media, and collector websites lit up with excitement. Some collectors even reached out to the family, hoping to buy the coin before it goes to auction.
Coin experts are now checking the penny to see if it’s real and how well it’s been preserved. The better the condition, the higher the value.
A Good Reminder to Check Your Old Stuff
This story teaches us a great lesson: amazing things can be hiding in plain sight. Whether it’s an old jar of coins, a drawer full of stuff, or even behind a wall clock—treasures may be closer than you think.
If you’ve lived in your house for a long time, or just moved into an older one, take some time to look around. You might just find something rare that could change your life.
From Forgotten Coin to Famous Find
This Lincoln penny, once lost behind a clock, might now be worth enough to buy a Lamborghini. It’s being reviewed by professionals, and if confirmed as a genuine 1909-S VDB penny in great shape, it may go to auction soon.
This tiny coin went from being forgotten to becoming the center of attention in the coin world—proof that even the smallest things can hold incredible value.
FAQS
What is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is one of the rarest U.S. coins. It was made in 1909, the first year the Lincoln penny was released. The “S” means it was made in San Francisco, and “VDB” are the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner.
Why is this penny so valuable?
It’s valuable because only a small number were made before the U.S. Mint removed the “VDB” initials. That makes it a collector’s item. If it’s in good condition, it can be worth thousands—or even over $100,000.
Where was the penny found?
A family in Ohio found it hidden behind an old wall clock while renovating their home. The clock had likely been there for many years.
