The Four Master Hubs of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent Transition

The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent holds a significant place in U.S. coin history as it marked the introduction of the first portrait of an American president on a circulating coin. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this coin’s debut marked the start of a new era for U.S. currency. However, the production process behind this iconic coin was far from simple. The transition from the previous designs to the new Lincoln portrait involved the creation of four distinct master hubs. These hubs played a crucial role in the production and evolution of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent, leading to some fascinating and notable variations that continue to intrigue collectors today.

The Role of Master Hubs

In coin production, a master hub is the original die used to create other working dies. It serves as the template from which working dies are made, and those working dies, in turn, are used to strike the coins themselves. Essentially, master hubs are the blueprint for the coins. The four master hubs for the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent were integral in the coin’s design transition and are often a point of focus for numismatists and collectors due to the subtle differences between them.

The Transition from the Indian Head Cent

Before the introduction of the Lincoln Wheat Cent, the U.S. Mint produced the Indian Head Cent, which had been in circulation since 1859. The Indian Head design, which was initially created by James B. Longacre, was beloved by many, but it was also getting older, and the public desired a new, more modern design. In 1909, Congress passed legislation mandating that a new design be introduced to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This led to the creation of the Lincoln portrait by Victor David Brenner.

The Four Master Hubs

1. First Master Hub (No VDB)
   The initial master hub did not feature the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse of the coin, which was an intentional omission. Brenner had originally included his initials in the design, but some Mint officials did not approve of their inclusion. The first master hub, therefore, featured a Lincoln portrait without the initials on the reverse.
2. Second Master Hub (With VDB)
   After much controversy, the VDB initials were reintroduced on the reverse of the coin, appearing for the first time on the second master hub. This decision was made following the public outcry and pressure from Brenner himself, who had requested that his initials be included. The second master hub features these initials, which are visible on the lower right of the reverse side of the coin.

Impact on Collecting and Legacy

The four master hubs of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent have had a lasting impact on the world of numismatics. The different versions of the VDB initials, along with the variations in the design, contribute to the coin’s rich collecting history. Collectors often focus on finding specific variations, particularly the 1909-S VDB, which is considered one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the series.

Conclusion

The creation of the four master hubs for the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent was a pivotal moment in U.S. Mint history. These master hubs resulted in slight variations in the coin’s design, especially in the placement of the VDB initials, which have become a focal point for collectors. As collectors continue to seek out different versions of the 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent, these master hubs serve as a reminder of the Mint’s role in shaping the aesthetic and historical legacy of U.S. coinage.

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