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The 1909-S Lincoln Cent, particularly in Fine condition, is a remarkable and highly collectible piece in the realm of American numismatics. This coin is celebrated for its historical significance and unique place in the Lincoln Cent series, making it a prized item for both collectors and historians. The 1909-S Lincoln Cent is notable for its role in the introduction of the Lincoln Cent series, as well as the controversy surrounding its design, which includes the famous "V.D.B." initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner.
Issued in 1909, the Lincoln Cent was introduced as part of the centennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the new coin was intended to replace the Indian Head Cent, which had been in circulation since the 1850s. The 1909-S Lincoln Cent is particularly notable due to its production at the San Francisco Mint, which is indicated by the "S" mintmark on the coin. This mintmark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco facility, which was one of the key mints responsible for producing U.S. coinage during that era.
The design of the 1909-S Lincoln Cent features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which was a significant departure from previous coin designs. Brenner’s depiction of Lincoln was intended to honor his legacy and celebrate his role as one of America’s most revered presidents. The obverse of the coin showcases Lincoln’s profile, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” surrounding his image. Below Lincoln’s portrait, the coin bears the date “1909,” marking the year of its minting. Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” are discreetly placed on the coin’s reverse, just below the wheat ears, which sparked considerable controversy and led to the coin being quickly withdrawn from circulation.
The reverse of the 1909-S Lincoln Cent features two stalks of wheat framing the denomination “ONE CENT,” with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arching above. This design, known as the "Wheat Ears" motif, was meant to symbolize the country’s agrarian roots and the importance of agriculture to the American economy. The wheat ears serve as a reminder of the nation's agricultural heritage and the role that farming played in its economic development.
Regarding the minting details, the 1909-S Lincoln Cent had a relatively low mintage of approximately 484,000 coins. This limited production contributes to its status as a rare and desirable piece among collectors. The low mintage, combined with the controversy over Brenner’s initials, has made the 1909-S Lincoln Cent one of the most sought-after coins in the Lincoln Cent series.
In Fine condition, the 1909-S Lincoln Cent displays moderate wear but retains a significant amount of its original detail. The coin’s surfaces will show evidence of circulation, including some flattening of the high points and possible light scratches or marks. Despite these signs of wear, the major design elements, such as Lincoln’s portrait and the wheat ears, remain clearly visible and recognizable. The "V.D.B." initials on the reverse may be slightly worn but should still be discernible, contributing to the coin’s historical and numismatic value.
The 1909-S Lincoln Cent in Fine condition is a notable example of early 20th-century American coinage and reflects the historical context of its era. Its combination of a significant design change, limited mintage, and the controversy surrounding Brenner’s initials makes it a highly collectible piece. Collectors prize this coin for its rarity, historical importance, and the unique design elements that distinguish it from other coins of the period. The Fine grade highlights the coin’s historical significance while still maintaining a reasonable level of detail and appeal, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.