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The 1909 VDB cent is the first entry in the long-running Lincoln series. The 1909 VDB cent, prominently portraying the initials of the coin's sculptor-engraver Victor David Brenner, was produced for a few weeks at the Philadelphia Mint before production of the coin was temporarily halted. Public outcry on the prominence of Brenner's VDB initials on the reverse of the coin under the wheat stalks prompted officials with the US Mint to remove the offending letters. Brenner's VDB initials weren't restored to the coin until 1918, when they were placed in tiny script under Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse.
While 1909 VDB pennies were made in fewer numbers than their same-year non-VDB counterparts, the Philadelphia coins are not numismatically scarce. There are plenty of survivors to go around and in Brown are plentiful right up through the Gem Uncirculated grades. 1909 VDB Lincoln cents are sought by both series enthusiasts and type collectors wanting an example of this popular one-year-only coin.
Obverse Description
Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portrait and the date and mintmark (If any) positioned 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:
1790
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:
Business
Diameter:
19
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Coin Date:
1909 VDB
Denomination:
1c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
27,995,000
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1909-1958
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
PCGS #:
2423
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Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/1909-vdb-1c-lincoln-cent-with-brown-surfaces/gsid/1790 GSID: 1790 Title: 1909 VDB 1c MS BN
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Coin Value History
1909 VDB 1c MS BN
Value By Grade
1909 VDB 1c MS 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS67 |
|
$575.00 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $490.00 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS BN [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS BN [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/133xxx/b732e156-4f38-45e4-95ee-83317fee2e70.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $0 – $45
Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS RB [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS RB [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/435xxx/69281083-4e89-4e1b-8add-20c192601463.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $0 – $55
Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS RD [Type]
![Lincoln Cent 1c Wheat Reverse, 1909-1958 MS RD [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/360xxx/46668f31-a86b-430a-87d1-43ecb24d68e1.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $0 – $80
1909 VDB 1c MS RB
Worth: $22 – $22,000
1909 VDB 1c MS RD
Worth: $40 – $50,000
1909 VDB 1c Doubled Die Obverse MS BN
Worth: $10 – $330
1909 VDB 1c Doubled Die Obverse MS RB
Worth: $130 – $750
1909 VDB 1c Doubled Die Obverse MS RD
Worth: $175 – $10,000
1909-S VDB 1c MS BN
Worth: $500 – $25,000
1909-S VDB 1c MS RB
Worth: $1,850 – $35,000
1909-S VDB 1c MS RD
Worth: $2,000 – $150,000
1909 1c Lincoln MS BN
Worth: $0 – $960
1909 1c Lincoln MS RB
Worth: $25 – $1,440
1909 1c Lincoln MS RD
Worth: $40 – $3,000
1909-S 1c Lincoln MS BN
Worth: $40 – $1,320
1909 1C VDB MS65 Brown PCGS. CDN: $62 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 27,995,000. ...
$104
1909 1C VDB MS64 Brown PCGS. CDN: $50 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 27,995,000. ...
$74
1909 VDB 1C Lincoln Cent -- Retained Cud Reverse -- VF35 PCGS. PCGS Population: (49/3271 and 0/13+). Mintage 27,995,000....
$99
1909 1C VDB MS66 Brown NGC. NGC Census: (109/6). PCGS Population: (37/0). CDN: $100 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 2...
$134
Lot of Mint State & Circulated Lincoln Cents NGC (20 Coins)
$507
1909 VDB 1c NGC MS62 BN
$48
1909 VDB 1c NGC UNC Details (Altered Color)
$62
1909 VDB 1c NGC MS61 BN
$30
1909 VDB 1c PCGS XF45
$20
$10
1909 VDB 1C Lincoln Cent -- Flipover Double Struck -- XF40 ANACS. ...
$1,998
1909 VDB 1C Cent -- 170 Degree Rotated Dies -- AU55 PCGS. ...
$402
1909 VDB 1C Double Die Obverse AU58 NGC. FS-012.1. NGC Census: (8/212). PCGS Population (16/153). Mintage: 27,995,000. Numi...
$98
1909 1C VDB, MS65 Brown NGC. CDN: $62 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 27,995,000....
$74
1909 1C VDB MS64 Brown PCGS. PCGS Population: (1119/424). NGC Census: (608/546). CDN: $50 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Min...
$65
1909 1C VDB MS66 Brown NGC. NGC Census: (98/4). PCGS Population: (36/0). CDN: $80 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 27,...
$149
Lot of Mint State & Circulated Lincoln Cents NGC (20 Coins Total)
$410
1909 VDB 1c NGC MS62 BN
$35
1909 VDB 1c PCGS UNC Details (Questionable Color)
$111
1909 VDB 1C DD Obv, Die 1 MS61 Brown ANACS. NGC Census: (2/23). PCGS Population (3/304). Mintage: 27,995,000. Numismedia Ws...
$150
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