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The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable coins in American numismatics. This particular example, certified as Uncirculated Details, reflects a coin that retains full mint luster and the sharpness of an uncirculated strike, but exhibits a flaw—such as cleaning, environmental damage, or other non-numerical issues—that prevents it from receiving a standard Mint State grade. Nonetheless, this coin remains a numismatic icon with immense historical significance and collector appeal due to its key-date status, low mintage, and position at the origin of the Lincoln cent series.
The coin's historical importance stems from its introduction in 1909, the centennial year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It marked the first time a U.S. president appeared on regular-issue American coinage, breaking from the longstanding tradition of using allegorical figures such as Liberty. The Lincoln cent replaced the Indian Head cent and was part of a broader cultural shift toward celebrating real historical figures in public imagery. Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born engraver, was chosen to design the coin. His admiration for Lincoln was evident in the dignified and realistic portrait that graces the obverse, a design that remains in use more than a century later.
Controversy erupted shortly after the coin’s release due to the prominent placement of Brenner’s initials—“V.D.B.”—on the reverse of the coin, centered between the two wheat stalks at the bottom. Although such initials were not uncommon on coins, their bold and conspicuous placement drew criticism from officials and the public. The Mint responded by halting production to remove the initials. This swift change created two distinct varieties of 1909 Lincoln cents: those with the “V.D.B.” initials and those without. Of these, the 1909-S VDB is the most scarce and sought-after, due to its low mintage and brief production window at the San Francisco Mint.
The San Francisco Mint struck only 484,000 examples of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, making it the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Lincoln cent. This figure is tiny by U.S. Mint standards, especially considering the hundreds of millions of Lincoln cents produced in subsequent years. Because of this limited production, the 1909-S VDB has always been a key date, even during its own era. Collectors quickly recognized its scarcity, and many examples were saved from circulation, though the majority of survivors are in lower circulated grades.
The obverse of the coin features a detailed bust of President Abraham Lincoln, facing right. Inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top rim, “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln’s shoulder, and the date “1909” on the right, with the “S” mintmark below it to denote the San Francisco origin. The reverse design consists of two stylized wheat stalks flanking the denomination “ONE CENT” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above these is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” At the bottom center between the wheat stalks is the focal point of the coin’s notoriety: the “V.D.B.” initials of the designer.
As an Uncirculated Details coin, this specimen retains full or near-full original strike sharpness and some degree of mint luster, which are hallmarks of coins that have not seen actual circulation. The devices—Lincoln’s profile, the legends, and the wheat ears—are all fully struck and sharp, with no wear on the high points. However, the coin has received a “details” designation due to some issue that prevents numerical grading. Common issues for coins in this category include improper cleaning, light scratches, or discoloration from environmental exposure. These flaws, while preventing a numeric grade, do not negate the coin’s historical or collectible value, especially for a key date like the 1909-S VDB.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, following the standard bronze alloy used for Lincoln cents until 1943. This composition is prone to toning and environmental reactions over time, particularly in coins stored in non-archival holders or exposed to moisture. Many details-graded examples exhibit evidence of old cleaning or corrosion from poor storage conditions, both of which are commonly found in early copper coins. The extent and nature of the flaw are specified by the grading service and visible in the slab label or coin’s appearance.
The vast majority of certified 1909-S VDB cents are found in grades between Good and Extremely Fine. True Uncirculated examples are scarce and command a significant premium, even with details designations. For collectors unable to afford a problem-free Mint State example, a certified Uncirculated Details coin offers an affordable alternative that still showcases the sharpness, design, and rarity of this key issue. It presents an excellent way to own a top-tier Lincoln cent without venturing into the five-figure price range associated with Mint State 64 and higher specimens.
The exact number of Uncirculated Details examples in existence is not known, but given the intense circulation many of these coins endured and the age of the coin, it is likely a small fraction of the original mintage. PCGS and NGC census data reveal that relatively few 1909-S VDB cents survive in Mint State condition, and even fewer exist with the sharp eye appeal that a collector desires. Thus, any Uncirculated specimen—even with a details grade—is a noteworthy find and a valuable component in any advanced Lincoln cent collection.
The legacy of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of enduring popularity, historical relevance, and numismatic prestige. It represents the birth of a series that continues to this day and serves as a tangible connection to the early 20th-century minting practices and the nation’s reverence for President Lincoln. A certified Uncirculated Details example retains much of the visual impact and collectible value of a numerically graded Mint State coin while offering a more accessible price point. For collectors seeking a well-struck, visually appealing example of America’s most famous cent, this piece offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a cornerstone of U.S. coinage history.