For almost 100 years of American history, it was illegal to put a real person on a coin. When the first coins were issued some people suggested putting George Washington on them, but he protested, arguing that having the president’s image on coinage would be too similar to monarchal countries. Instead, they used allegorical depictions of Lady Liberty.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (Buy on eBay) is the famous key date coin from the inaugural year of the Lincoln Cent series. This rarity was created by the removal of the designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” after as few as five working days at the San Francisco Mint. 1909-S VDB 1c PCGS MS65 RB - Popular Key Date - Lincoln Cent - Popular Key Date. In the same price list were eleven 1909-S VDB cents ranging from a PCGS VF-20 for $1,500 to an NGC MS-65BN for $3,500. This illustrates that scarcity does not always equate to value. The mintage of the 1909-S Indian was 309,000, while the mintage of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln was 484,000.
This trend ended in 1893 with the depiction of Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella on commemorative issues. Those pieces opened the door for depicting other deceased public figures, and in 1909, Abraham Lincoln made history as the first real person on a standard-issue circulating US coin.
The new Lincoln cent was designed by Victor David Brenner. There was precedence for coin designers to include their initials on the coin, and he placed his, VDB, at the bottom of the reverse. The new coin was released on August 2 and was met with such great demand that limits were placed on how many an individual could buy from the Mint.
However, by just a couple days later on August 4th, the complaints began. Newspapers reported that the initials were too large; they were a “serious blunder” and “a new die may have to be made to eliminate the objectionable feature” (Middletown Daily Argus, August 4, 1909). People believed Brenner was conceited, and according to the Des Moines News, the initials were sometimes mistaken for the underwear brand BVD.
After considering multiple options, the initials were removed from the coin altogether. Brenner was very unhappy with this outcome, but many savvy individuals realized that the pieces with VDB would likely become collectors’ items and began to save them. There are a high number of uncirculated 1909 VDB examples on the market today thanks to these forward-thinking enthusiasts.
1909-s Vdb Lincoln Cent Key Date Coin
While the 1909 VDB is a fairly common coin, the 1909-S VDB saw a much smaller mintage – less than 500,000 compared to almost 30 million minted in Philadelphia. Today the 1909-S VDB is one of the most well-known 20th century rarities. Widely coveted among collectors of all levels, we’re excited to offer an absolutely stunning 1909-S VDB NGC MS67 RD example that’s tied for finest at both NGC and PCGS. Flashy and close to flawless, any serious wheat collectors will want to take a look. Click Here to view this marvelous piece in auction!
Update: This coin sold in Auction #1141 on November 1st for $39,000.
Questions, comments, or feedback on this article are welcome! Feel free to send us an email at coins@davidlawrence.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1909 S Vdb Wheat Penny value at an average of $950, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $2,200. (see details)..
Type:Vdb Wheat Penny
Year:1909
Mint Mark: S
Face Value: 0.01 USD
Total Produced: 484,000 [?]
Silver Content: 0%
Numismatic Value: $950 to $2200.00
Value: As a rough estimate of this coins value you can assume this coin in average condition will be valued at somewhere around $950, while one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $2,200 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say average, we mean in a similar condition to other coins issued in 1909, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. [?].
Additional Info:
In 1909 there were V.D.B. and Non V.D.B. marked pennies. The VDB Wheat Pennies minted in San Francisco were the rarest of the rare. These coins are worth a nice house payment if you can find on in any condition :)More of the Same
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1909 S Vdb Mintage
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**When we say that 484,000, of these coins were produced or minted in 1909 this number doesn't always match the actual circulation count for this coin. The numbers come from the United States mint, and they don't reflect coins that have been melted, destroyed, or those that have never been released. Please keep that in mind.
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***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value.Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.
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1909 S Vdb Lincoln Penny
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