Counterfeit Coin Detection – Authenticating the 1909-S V.D.B. Cent

The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent is one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in American numismatics. Its combination of low mintage, historical significance as the debut year of the Lincoln Cent, and the controversy surrounding designer Victor David Brenner’s initials make it highly desirable to collectors. Unfortunately, its popularity has also made it a frequent target for counterfeiters. For collectors, learning how to authenticate this valuable coin is essential to avoid being deceived by fakes.

Why Is the 1909-S V.D.B. Cent Special?

The Lincoln Cent series was introduced in 1909 to celebrate the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Victor David Brenner designed the coin, and his initials, “V.D.B.,” were placed prominently on the reverse, at the bottom near the rim. This placement sparked controversy, with some considering it too conspicuous. As a result, the initials were removed from the design later that year, creating two varieties: the 1909 V.D.B. and the 1909-S V.D.B. produced in limited quantities at the San Francisco Mint. Only 484,000 1909-S V.D.B. cents were minted, making it a key date and highly collectible.

Common Types of Counterfeits

1. Added Mintmark: One of the most common counterfeiting methods involves adding an “S” mintmark to a genuine 1909 V.D.B. cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These altered coins can deceive novice collectors if the mintmark placement, size, or font appears convincing.
2. Entirely Fake Coins: Some counterfeiters produce replicas of the 1909-S V.D.B. using base metals or low-quality alloys. While many of these are obvious fakes, others can be more deceptive, particularly when they’re artificially aged.
3. Die Alterations or Replicas: Sophisticated counterfeits are struck using newly created dies or altered dies designed to mimic the characteristics of genuine coins.

How to Authenticate a 1909-S V.D.B. Cent

1. Inspect the Mintmark: Genuine 1909-S V.D.B. cents have a very specific mintmark style. The “S” should be clear, upright, and match the size and shape used by the San Francisco Mint in 1909. Its placement on the coin is also key—it should sit cleanly between the bottom left leg of the “T” in “CENT” and the right edge of the wheat stalk.
2. Examine the V.D.B. Initials: The V.D.B. on the reverse should be sharply struck and located at the bottom center near the rim. Counterfeits often have shallow or poorly formed initials.
3. Weight and Dimensions: Genuine 1909-S V.D.B. cents weigh approximately 3.11 grams and have a diameter of 19 millimeters. Significant deviations in weight or size are red flags.
4. Seek Professional Authentication: When in doubt, consult with a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Their experts use advanced tools and databases to confirm authenticity.

Conclusion

For collectors, understanding the nuances of genuine 1909-S V.D.B. cents is crucial to avoiding counterfeits. Resources like mint error guides, auction records, and third-party grading reports provide valuable insights into identifying authentic pieces. While the 1909-S V.D.B. remains a treasure of numismatics, its notoriety underscores the importance of vigilance in the face of counterfeit threats.

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