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The Certified 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, graded AU Details by NGC, is one of the most famous and highly sought-after coins in American numismatics. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent represents the first year of the Lincoln Cent series, which was designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. This coin is especially significant because it features Brenner’s initials "VDB" on the reverse, which became a point of controversy shortly after the coin's release, leading to the removal of the initials in subsequent issues. As a result, the 1909-S VDB cent has become one of the key dates in the Lincoln Cent series, cherished for both its rarity and historical significance. In AU Details condition, this coin still retains much of its original beauty, though it has some signs of wear or handling that prevented it from receiving a higher grade.
The obverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent features the now-iconic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, which was designed by Victor David Brenner. This was the first time a U.S. president had appeared on a circulating coin, a significant departure from previous coinage designs that typically featured allegorical representations of Liberty. Lincoln is depicted in profile, facing right, with a solemn and dignified expression that reflects his legacy as one of America’s most revered leaders. The inscription "LIBERTY" is to the left of Lincoln’s portrait, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above his head, making its debut on a cent coin. The date "1909" is positioned to the right, with the "S" mintmark, indicating the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, directly below the date. In this AU Details example, the obverse retains sharp details in Lincoln’s hair and beard, although some light wear is visible on the high points of the design, consistent with the AU grade.
The reverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is equally notable, featuring the original "Wheat Ears" design that was used on Lincoln Cents until 1958. Two stylized ears of wheat flank the central inscription "ONE CENT," symbolizing America’s agricultural heritage. Below the denomination, the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are inscribed, with the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above. The most distinguishing feature of the 1909-S VDB cent, however, is the inclusion of Victor David Brenner’s initials "VDB" at the bottom of the reverse, just below the wheat stalks. This signature caused controversy shortly after the coin's release, as many critics felt that the initials were too prominent. As a result, the U.S. Mint quickly removed the initials from later issues, making the 1909-S VDB a rarity. In this AU Details example, the reverse remains well-preserved, with strong definition in the wheat ears and clear, legible lettering. However, the details grade indicates some surface cleaning or handling, which has affected the coin’s overall condition.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which had a long history of producing high-quality coins for circulation. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, was one of the most important mints on the West Coast, particularly during the early 20th century when the population and economy of the western United States were growing rapidly. The 1909-S VDB issue had a total mintage of only 484,000 coins, making it one of the lowest-mintage Lincoln Cents ever produced. This low mintage, combined with the removal of the VDB initials from subsequent issues, has made the 1909-S VDB cent one of the most famous key dates in U.S. coin collecting.
The controversy surrounding the "VDB" initials on the reverse of the 1909 Lincoln Cent was significant because it marked a rare instance where a designer’s initials were prominently featured on a circulating coin. While it was not unusual for engravers to include their initials on U.S. coins, the placement and size of Brenner’s initials drew criticism from some members of the public and government officials. In response, the U.S. Mint quickly halted production of the VDB-designated coins and began producing Lincoln Cents without the initials. The initials would later return, in a much smaller and less conspicuous location, on the obverse of Lincoln Cents starting in 1918. The removal of the "VDB" initials in 1909 created an instant rarity, with both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints issuing small numbers of these coins, though the San Francisco issue is far scarcer and more valuable.
In terms of composition, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, which was the standard alloy used for U.S. cents at the time. This composition gave the coins a rich brown color, which deepens over time due to oxidation. In this AU Details example, the coin retains much of its original brown toning, though the details grade suggests some surface cleaning or handling that may have altered its natural patina. Despite this, the coin’s overall appearance remains pleasing, and its historical significance makes it a prized addition to any collection.
The AU Details grade from NGC indicates that the coin has some noticeable wear, particularly on the high points of the design, but still retains the majority of its original details and sharpness. The "Details" designation means that the coin has been cleaned or otherwise altered, which prevents it from receiving a straight grade. However, for collectors who are more interested in the rarity and historical importance of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, this coin offers an affordable option to own a key date in the series without the premium associated with higher-grade examples. Even with its details grade, the coin remains a highly desirable piece due to its rarity and the story behind its creation.
The Certified 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent AU Details NGC is an iconic coin that holds a special place in American numismatics. Its low mintage, combined with the controversy surrounding Brenner’s initials, has made it one of the most sought-after key dates in the Lincoln Cent series. Whether collected for its historical significance or its rarity, the 1909-S VDB cent is a must-have for any serious collector of U.S. coins, and this AU Details example offers an opportunity to own a piece of numismatic history at an accessible price point.