Background

The Indian Head Cent was first minted in 1859. It would reach its 50th year of production in 1909. Approaching the 100^th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth in 1809, the American public backed the idea of his bust on a new coin. For the first time in US history a bust depicting an actual person would be used for a coin.

Victor David Brenner was selected to design both sides of the coin. He based the obverse on a plaque of Lincoln he had made in 1907. Production of the Lincoln Wheat cents began in 1909.

Early Days of the Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cents were minted in Philadelphia and San Francisco in 1909 and 1910. The Denver mint began production in 1911. The three US Mints would produce all of the Wheat Cents through their final year in 1958.

The Mint Mark was chosen to be beneath the date on the obverse.

The San Francisco mint mark is a capital ‘S’

Philadelphia did not use a mint mark

The Denver mint mark is a capital ‘D’

First Year Controversy

Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) were placed at the bottom of the reverse of the Wheat Cents for initial production. It was controversial, seen to be advertising for the designer. There was some objection to that which resulted in the initials being removed in the Fall of 1909. This created a collector’s coin because the 1909 cents with the VDB initials were scarce compared to those without them.

1909 Cents with VDB

Here are the number of Lincoln Cents minted in 1909, both plain and VDB types

The low mintages of VDB coins created two very collectible issues.

Here are approximate retail values for the S-VDB in Very Fine 20 condition as of December 2020.

The high prices for the VDB issues is partially due to their scarcity.

Popularity of the 1909-S VDB

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent has been popular with collectors since its inception. It is one of the best (if not the best) known US coins. Many young collectors have had a lifelong dream to own one. In today’s market a Very Fine example is about $900 On the way to this goal, a nice 1909-P VDB can be had for $10. And a nice 1909-S without the designer’s initials is about $100.

Current Value of the 1909-S VDB

Here are the approximate retail values of the S VDB in Dec 2020.

Brown coins have less than 5% original Orange color

Red/Brown (RB) coins have 5% to 95% Orange color

Red coins are over 95% Orange

Red/Brown coins have more value than Brown coins and Red coins are the most valuable

It is possible to obtain a 1909-S VDB for less than $725 in today’s market if it grades less than Good-4 and/or has some problems.

Conclusions

This has been a brief look at the 1909-S VDB and its siblings. This popular coin has enchanted many collectors, some of whom eventually achieved their purpose of owning one.

Happy Hunting!