Rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny Found Behind Wall Clock Could Fetch Over $85,000

In a twist of fate that sounds more like a scene from a movie than a real-life renovation, a seemingly ordinary home remodel led to the discovery of a highly coveted numismatic treasure. A dusty Lincoln penny, lodged behind an antique wall clock for decades, has now become the focal point of excitement within the coin-collecting world. This unexpected find has sparked immense interest among historians and numismatists alike, once again highlighting the enduring appeal of America’s smallest denomination coin.

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A Routine Renovation Turned Treasure Hunt

It all began when Sarah Whitmore, a homeowner in Des Moines, Iowa, decided to give her aging kitchen a long-overdue facelift. “We were updating the cabinetry and appliances,” she recalls. “Nothing too fancy—just modernizing the space.” However, during the demolition phase, as her contractor was removing an old set of wooden cabinets, the antique wall clock hanging above the kitchen sink was finally taken down after years of remaining untouched. As it came off the wall, a faint metallic sound followed. A small coin had dropped to the floor, unnoticed for decades.

“At first, I assumed it was just a regular penny—maybe one that fell out of someone’s pocket ages ago,” Whitmore said. “But when I picked it up and looked at it, the date caught my attention right away—1909. That seemed odd.”

Upon closer examination, Whitmore noticed the tiny “S” mintmark below the date and the initials “VDB” on the reverse side—markings that would soon identify it as one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history: the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny.

The Significance of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

For anyone unfamiliar with rare coin collecting, the Lincoln penny might seem insignificant. After all, it’s just a one-cent piece. But to those who know the history, the 1909-S VDB cent represents far more than its face value.

This particular coin was minted during the first year the Lincoln cent was issued. Designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the coin marked a shift in American coinage. For the first time, a U.S. president was featured on a circulating coin. Initially, Brenner’s full initials—VDB—were boldly placed on the reverse of the coin, beneath the wheat stalks. However, this design choice quickly sparked public backlash, with critics accusing the designer of self-promotion.

In response, the U.S. Mint halted production and removed the initials, replacing them with a more discreet version on later coins. But before that change, just 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after pennies ever created.

Coin Experts Weigh In

Once Whitmore suspected she might have something valuable in her hands, she turned to the internet. She posted a photo of the coin on a popular numismatic forum, and the response was immediate. Comments flooded in from coin enthusiasts across the country, all echoing the same sentiment: this could be a once-in-a-lifetime find.

Greg Holloway, a respected numismatist and a member of the American Numismatic Association, caught wind of the discovery and offered his professional insight. “The Lincoln penny found behind that clock is more than just rare—it’s a piece of American history,” Holloway explained. “Even in circulated condition, a 1909-S VDB penny can be worth thousands. But from the images Sarah shared, this coin appeared to be in remarkably good condition.”

To get an official evaluation, Whitmore submitted the coin to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), one of the most trusted authorities in the industry. After careful inspection, the coin was authenticated and graded as MS-65 Red—a near-gem uncirculated grade. This grading means the coin has only minimal imperfections, full original red luster, and crisp detail. In other words, it was preserved exceptionally well, likely due to being hidden away behind the wall clock for so many years.

Another Rare Find Adds Fuel to the Fire

Interestingly, this isn’t the first rare Lincoln penny to surface recently. In a coincidental twist, a 1972 Lincoln penny with a notable minting error—missing the Denver Mint’s identifying mark—was discovered by a woman named Emily while rummaging through her childhood lunchbox. Experts authenticated the coin and noted that such errors are incredibly rare. These types of minting anomalies can fetch thousands of dollars, especially when they are found in excellent condition.

Although Emily’s find isn’t as historically significant as the 1909-S VDB, it underscores the fact that rare Lincoln penny variants continue to surprise and excite collectors across generations.

Offers Pour In for the 1909-S VDB Penny

As word of Whitmore’s discovery spread, the buzz intensified. Multiple well-known collectors and prestigious auction houses have already expressed serious interest. Preliminary offers have reportedly soared past $85,000, and the figure may climb even higher should the coin be placed in a competitive auction setting.

Still, Whitmore is taking her time to decide what to do next. “It’s surreal, honestly,” she admits. “I never expected a penny—something I almost ignored—to be worth more than most people’s cars. I’ve had people tell me to sell it immediately, while others suggest keeping it as an investment. For now, I’m just enjoying the moment and making sure we search every nook and cranny of the house for any other hidden treasures.”

A Modern-Day Reminder of the Past

What makes this story even more compelling is the serendipity of the discovery. Who would have guessed that a century-old Lincoln penny would be quietly hiding behind a wall clock for decades, only to be found during a routine home renovation in 2025?

“This is why coin collecting is so fascinating,” says Holloway. “Coins like this have stories—they’ve passed through countless hands, witnessed history, and sometimes, like in this case, they vanish from circulation altogether, only to reappear and captivate us all.”

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny isn’t just a coin—it’s a symbol of American craftsmanship, historical transition, and the unpredictable nature of collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious onlooker, finds like these serve as a reminder that valuable pieces of history can be tucked away anywhere—waiting to be rediscovered.

Final Thoughts

Whitmore’s extraordinary find has reignited interest in coin collecting, especially among younger generations who might otherwise overlook the value of pocket change. It’s also a heartwarming story of unexpected fortune—proof that sometimes, the greatest treasures are hiding in plain sight.

For now, the Lincoln penny remains in Whitmore’s possession, safely stored in a climate-controlled case and insured for its full appraised value. And while she hasn’t ruled out auctioning it in the future, one thing is clear: this small coin has made a massive impact.

So, the next time you find a forgotten coin at the bottom of a drawer or behind an old piece of furniture, take a closer look—it just might be a Lincoln penny worth a fortune.

FAQ – Lincoln Penny Found Behind Wall Clock

1. Why is this Lincoln penny special?
This is a rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, one of the first pennies ever minted featuring President Abraham Lincoln and the initials of designer Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 were made before the initials were removed due to public backlash.

2. How was the coin discovered?
The penny was found behind an antique wall clock during a kitchen renovation in Des Moines, Iowa. It had likely been sitting there for over a century.

3. What is the estimated value of the penny?
Due to its rarity and its excellent condition—graded MS-65 Red by PCGS—experts estimate its current value at more than $85,000.

4. What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so valuable?
Its value stems from its low mintage, historical significance, and limited availability in high grades. It’s considered one of the crown jewels of American coinage.

5. Has the coin been authenticated?
Yes, the Lincoln penny was authenticated and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), confirming its status as a genuine and extremely valuable piece.