The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is not just a coin; it is a living witness to what has happened; one of the most critical episodes in the pages of American history. This cent carries a history involving the sensational blend of cultural importance, design controversy, and rarity, which transformed it into one of the most sought-after coins in all numismatics collector history. Let us get right down to the details that made this coin a numismatic work of art.
Significance of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The arrival of the Lincoln cent in 1909 is marking a chapter in American minting. It also marks the first time a real person, President Abraham Lincoln, was honored on a circulating U.S. coin. Lincoln was chosen to be featured because it would be the centenary of his birth and because of how empowered the American Nation was because of Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War.
Victor David Brenner-a Lithuanian-American sculptor and medalist of great fame-was chosen to do the design work for the cent coin. Brenner’s admiration of Lincoln manifested itself in earlier medallic offerings, and he was thus a natural choice for the task. On the obverse of the coin, he used the bust of Lincoln, derived just from the famous photographs of President Lincoln by Mathew Brady. The reverse was a simple and symbolical design of wheat ears, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
What followed was a controversy. Brenner put his initials “VDB” prominently at the bottom of the reverse below the wheat ears. While it was normal for sculptors to put their initials, a number of critics felt the initials were too flashy, thus overshadowing the original intent of the coin: to honor Lincoln. The disagreement led to their removal by the end of 1909 and hence the different varieties-one that had “VDB” and one that had no “VDB” making its debut in 1909.
Factors contributing to the coin’s rarity and value
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent fetches whopping prices for a confluence of these interdependent reasons:
1. Finite packaging
The San Francisco Mint struck a whopping 484,000 coins before using public outcry over Brenner’s initials as justification for pulling the plug on production. Compared to the millions of Lincoln cents turned out every year, this number is really small. If you employ that ratio alone, you may consider these coins rare; rarity is a key factor that helps determine monetary values in numismatics.
2. Design controversy and legacy
The “VDB” placement on this coin turned an accidental rarity into controversy. The 1909-S VDB cent is a piece of living history, intricately woven into the fabric of public opinion and design choices in American coinage.
3. Historical context
The coin bears dual importance because it is the first Lincoln cent issued and one of the shortest-lived design types in American numismatic history. Added to this is the theme of Lincoln, which further enhances its collectible value.
4. Condition and preservation
Coins graded in Mint State marked especially sought after by collectors are those with “Red” (RD) or “Red-Brown” (RB) designations. This being one color in terms of preservation suggests the particular copper sheen of a coin, which is also a significant factor when determining value.
Current market valuation and record sales
They have a strong market, though the price may vary widely according to the condition and grade of the coin:
- Good to Fine Condition (G4-F12): These coins can range between $700 and $1,200 usually.
- Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF45-AU58): The range is from $1,800 to $3,000.
- Mint State (MS60-MS67): Thousands are charged for coins in this range, and incredibly, examples falling under MS67RD go for prices exceeding $300,000.
The record sale from January 2023 was a MS67RD graded by PCGS accounting at $345,375 at auction. The sale represented the living interest for high-grade specimens of this famous coin.
Identifying authentic 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cents
The authentication of a coin of such ripeness as the 1909-S VDB cent is imperative because counterfeiting and alteration of coins have become commonplace. These key identification points include:
- Mint Mark: The mint mark “S” should appear just below the date upon the obverse. These authentic mint marks are very well defined with parallel serif lines.
- Designer Initials: The initials “VDB” must be visible on the reverse, at the lower rim. Strong and sharp letters distinguish an authentic coin, with angles on the bases of the “B” and “D.”
- Weight and Composition: The authentic coin weighs about 3.11 grams, with an alloy composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
- Luster and Color: Well-preserved specimens show distinctively red to red-brown luster; thus, the PCGS and NGC have put these adjectives into standard use as descriptive terms for coin color and state of preservation.
Professional grading services PCGS and NGC can serve as a blessing in the determination of coin authenticating and grading.
Caution against counterfeits and alterations
The 1909-S VDB cent’s attraction is what has turned it into the prime target of counterfeiters commonly altering a 1909 cent by adding a faked “S” mint mark or doctoring an ordinary cent of 1909 so that it has the “VDB” initials. Extreme care should be exercised by collectors sure to consult with trusted dealers or grading services before falling prey to fraud.
For further reading and resources, visit the Professional Coin Grading Service or CoinWeek’s Collector’s Guide.
