Whitman Expo
1909-S VDB Weak VDB One Cent MS RB Values
Details
This variant of the popular 1909-S VDB cent shows faint (but legitimate) evidence of the designer's initials on the reverse. They are not worth nearly as much as the regular (or strong) VDB initial strike, so caution is recommended.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is perhaps the most famous of all issues in this long-running series. The lowest-mintage regular-issue piece with a mintage of only 484,000, it is still available with relative regularity and many examples are available under the same roof at any given large coin'show. Still, many Lincoln cent enthusiasts consider this coin the holy grail of numismatics and it is without a doubt one of the most sought-after coins around.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent saw such a low mintage because public outcry over the prominently displayed initials of the coin's designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), caused the removal of the offending VDB inscription from the bottom-center of the coin's reverse shortly after this issue debuted. However, many in the public were aware of the controversy and hoarded 1909-S VDB pennies in large numbers. Thus, there are many survivors in circulated condition as well as throughout most of the Brown and Red-Brown uncirculated grades. According to numismatic experts, some 20,000 specimens exist, making it a rarity that can be acquired for a cost.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portrait and the date and mintmark (If any) positioned on the right side.
Reverse: Wheat ears flanking the words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the top perimeter. The deisgner's initials V.D.B. appear on the bottom periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
484,000
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1909-1958
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
Mint Mark:
S
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Weak VDB
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
3.11 gr
Weight:
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1909, S
Obverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, V.D.B.
Reverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
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