The 1909 S VDB Lincoln cent is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in the world of American numismatics. Often called the “holy grail” of Lincoln cents, this coin has earned its reputation due to its low mintage, unique design, and the controversy surrounding its creation.
The Background and Design
The 1909 S VDB penny was the first Lincoln cent ever minted to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was designed by Victor David Brenner, who created the first-ever U.S. coin featuring the portrait of a real person—President Lincoln. The coin’s reverse side also featured Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” at the bottom center. This small detail would go on to spark major controversy.
The Controversy Over the VDB Initials
When the 1909 S VDB penny was released in August 1909, some people were upset by the placement of Brenner’s initials on the coin. Many felt that the initials were too prominent and amounted to free advertisement for the artist. The public outcry was swift, and just days after the release, Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh ordered the removal of the initials. As a result, the production of the 1909-S VDB penny was halted after only 484,000 coins were made. This limited mintage makes it the rarest Lincoln cent produced by the San Francisco Mint.
Scarcity and Popularity
The combination of the low mintage and the media attention surrounding the initials controversy quickly made the 1909-S VDB penny one of the most sought-after coins. Collectors were eager to own a piece of this numismatic history. Many of the coins were hoarded soon after their release, which helped preserve a larger number of them in good condition. This has contributed to its lasting popularity and high demand.
Value and Collectibility
The 1909-S VDB penny is considered the “key date” in the Lincoln cent series, and it commands a significant value in the coin market. Even coins that have been circulated are worth several hundred dollars. Uncirculated versions can fetch thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
- Circulated coins typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
- Mint State (MS) coins can range from $2,000 to over $90,000, especially those with strong red coloration (known as an RD strike).
- High-grade examples (such as MS67 or MS68) have sold for more than $50,000 at auction.
Historical Significance
The 1909-S VDB penny is not only valuable because of its rarity but also because of its historical importance. It marked the transition from the Indian Head cent to the Lincoln cent, which began a new era in U.S. coinage featuring real historical figures. The controversy over the initials is also a reflection of the times, showing how artist recognition was viewed in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
The 1909 S VDB Lincoln cent is a legendary coin for many reasons:
- It has a low mintage of only 484,000 coins.
- Production was halted due to the removal of Brenner’s initials.
- It was the first Lincoln cent and the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s portrait.
- Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable coins in the U.S.
For collectors, the 1909-S VDB penny is a must-have, symbolizing a pivotal moment in American numismatics and a fascinating piece of U.S. history.
FAQs:
1. Why is the 1909 S VDB penny so special?
It’s rare, with only 484,000 coins minted, and features controversial initials on the design, making it highly collectible.
2. What does “VDB” mean on the 1909-S penny?
“VDB” refers to the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, which were removed after public criticism.
3. How much is the 1909-S VDB penny worth?
Prices range from a few hundred dollars for circulated coins to tens of thousands for high-grade examples.
