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The 1909 VDB proof cent is one of the scarcest regular-issue proofs around, despite having a higher mintage than several other proof Lincoln cents of the 1909-1916 era. there is some speculation that the United States Mint may have destroyed unsold examples or distributed them as business strikes. Whatever the case, there are likely fewer than 200 examples in existence, making this first-year issue a very challenging coin in any grade or color designation.
Obverse Description
Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portait and the date postioned on the right side.
Reverse Description
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.
Book Reference
Designer: Victor D. Brenner. Weight: 3.11 grams. Composition: .950 copper, .050 tin and zinc. Diameter: 19 mm. Edge: Plain. Mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco.
Key to Collecting: The first issues had the initials V.D.B. on the reverse. However, many people suggested that as Brenner was simply contracted by the Mint, he should not be personally “advertised” by having his initials placed on the coin. This was illogical, as other artists and engravers had been so recognized. The initials were soon removed, isolating the 1909 V.D.B. cent as a short-lived type. Today, the 1909 V.D.B. cent is readily available in all grades from well worn to gem Mint State. This is one of America’s most historic coins. Just think of it: you can find a gem inexpensively.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually well struck in all areas. Points to check include the hair details on the portrait and the absence of tiny marks on Lincoln’s shoulder.
Matte Proof Coins: These Proofs, of a new style, have minutely matte or pebbled surfaces caused by special treatment of the dies. The rims are square and sharp. Such pieces cannot easily be told from certain circulation strikes with similar borders. Most are brown or brown with tinges of red. Nearly all full “red” coins have been dipped or recolored.
Catalog Information
GSID:
2470
Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1909
Reverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Reverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, V.D.B.
Weight (gr):
3.11 gr
Weight (oz):
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
19
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Matte Finish
Coin Date:
1909 VDB
Denomination:
1c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1,194
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1909-1958
Composition:
95% copper; 5% tin & zinc
PCGS #:
3300
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Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/1909-vdb-1c-brown-surfaces-proof-lincoln-cent/gsid/2470 GSID: 2470 Title: 1909 VDB 1c Matte Finish PR BN
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Coin Value History
1909 VDB 1c Matte Finish PR BN
Value By Grade
1909 VDB 1c Matte Finish PR BN
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR67 |
|
$66,000 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $55,000 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR BN [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR BN [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/ha_com_1296_3522-0.20200712061453721.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $360 – $3,120
Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR RB [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR RB [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/337xxx/105be5c3-9f43-4638-b487-3fa63d819ef5.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $400 – $4,100
Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR RD [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Matte Finish, 1909-1916 PR RD [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1910-1c-pr67-plus-rd-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $630 – $54,000
1909 VDB 1c Matte Finish PR RB
Worth: $10,000 – $90,000
1909 VDB 1c Matte Finish PR RD
Worth: $15,500 – $162,000
1909 1c Lincoln, Matte Finish PR BN
Worth: $385 – $3,600
1909 1c Lincoln, Matte Finish PR RB
Worth: $425 – $4,100
1909 1c Lincoln, Matte Finish PR RD
Worth: $1,000 – $65,000
1910 1c Matte Finish PR BN
Worth: $360 – $3,600
1910 1c Matte Finish PR RB
Worth: $400 – $4,100
1910 1c Matte Finish PR RD
Worth: $630 – $14,000
1911 1c Matte Finish PR BN
Worth: $360 – $6,000
1911 1c Matte Finish PR RB
Worth: $400 – $5,100
1911 1c Matte Finish PR RD
Worth: $700 – $18,000
1912 1c Matte Finish PR BN
Worth: $360 – $7,000
1909 1C VDB PR66 Brown PCGS. ...
$34,160
1909 1C VDB PR65 Brown PCGS....
$19,201
1909 1C VDB PR64 Brown PCGS. CAC....
$22,200
1909 1C VDB PR62 Brown PCGS. The 1909 VDB is the rarest issue in the matte proof series. Most examples seen are graded in t...
$9,601
1909 1C VDB PR63 Brown PCGS. ...
$12,600
1909 1C VDB PR65 Brown NGC. CAC. ...
$31,199
1909 1C VDB PR64 Brown PCGS. CAC. ...
$34,500
1909 1C VDB PR63 Brown PCGS. ...
$15,275
1909 1C VDB PR65 Brown PCGS. ...
$39,950
1909 1C VDB PR64 Brown NGC. David Lange, in his Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents, states that: "Proofs of this date and ...
$8,050
$2,415
1909 1C VDB PR64 Brown PCGS. Rich hues of mahogany ...
$4,600
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