The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and numismatists. It is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics, boasting a unique combination of rarity, historical importance, and controversy. This small copper coin was the first of its kind to bear the image of a president, as well as the initials of its designer. While it is celebrated today as a prized collectible, the coin’s release was met with backlash that cemented its infamy in American numismatic history.
Historical Background
In 1909, the United States celebrated the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. President Theodore Roosevelt, who had been pushing for the redesign of U.S. coinage, saw the perfect opportunity to honor one of the nation’s most revered leaders. Roosevelt commissioned Lithuanian-born artist and sculptor Victor David Brenner to design the new cent. Brenner’s design featured Lincoln’s profile on the obverse, inspired by a portrait he had created earlier, with two wheat ears framing the reverse.
When the coin debuted, it became the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure, breaking with the tradition of using allegorical representations of Liberty. The public received the design with enthusiasm; however, controversy soon overshadowed the coin’s debut.
The VDB Controversy
Victor David Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.,” were prominently placed on the reverse of the coin at the base, between the wheat stalks. Critics argued that the initials were too large and amounted to unwarranted self-promotion by the artist. The uproar prompted the U.S. Mint to halt production of the coin and remove the initials entirely.
This controversy created a small production window for the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, minted at the San Francisco Mint. Only 484,000 coins were struck before the initials were removed, making it one of the lowest-mintage Lincoln Cents ever produced. This scarcity has fueled its desirability among collectors for over a century.
Key Characteristics
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams. Its obverse features a right-facing portrait of Lincoln with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date. The reverse displays two wheat ears, the denomination “ONE CENT,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above.
What sets this coin apart are the “S” mintmark beneath the date, indicating the San Francisco Mint, and the “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse. Authentic examples of the 1909-S VDB command significant premiums, particularly in higher grades.
Conclusion
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent remains one of the most famous coins in American numismatics. Its combination of a limited mintage, historical significance, and the controversy surrounding its design make it a perennial favorite for collectors.
Whether it’s the thrill of owning a piece of numismatic history or the challenge of finding a well-preserved specimen, the 1909-S VDB continues to captivate coin enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQs
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent so valuable?
Its low mintage of only 484,000 coins, combined with its historical significance and the controversy over Victor David Brenner’s initials, makes it highly sought after.
How can I authenticate a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent?
Look for the “S” mintmark below the date on the obverse and the “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse. For high-value coins, consider professional grading services.
What is the significance of the initials “V.D.B.”?
The initials stand for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln Cent. Their placement on the original coin sparked controversy and led to their removal in subsequent issues.