Whitman Expo
1909 VDB One Cent MS BN Values
Details
The 1909 VDB cent is the first entry in the long-running Lincoln series. The 1909 VDB cent, prominently portraying the initials of the coin's sculptor-engraver Victor David Brenner, was produced for a few weeks at the Philadelphia Mint before production of the coin was temporarily halted. Public outcry on the prominence of Brenner's VDB initials on the reverse of the coin under the wheat stalks prompted officials with the US Mint to remove the offending letters. Brenner's VDB initials weren't restored to the coin until 1918, when they were placed in tiny script under Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse.
While 1909 VDB pennies were made in fewer numbers than their same-year non-VDB counterparts, the Philadelphia coins are not numismatically scarce. There are plenty of survivors to go around and in Brown are plentiful right up through the Gem Uncirculated grades. 1909 VDB Lincoln cents are sought by both series enthusiasts and type collectors wanting an example of this popular one-year-only coin.
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.
Basic Information
GSID:
1790
Coin Date:
1909 VDB
Denomination:
1c / One Cent
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
27,995,000
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1909-1958
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
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
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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