United States 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Wheat Cent
Numismatic Coin / Currency · United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Pattern: Lincoln Wheat Cent (Original Series)
Type
Numismatic Coin / Currency
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Material
Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc); No silver content
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 mm; Weight: 3.11 grams
Description
This is a first-year issue of the iconic Lincoln Wheat Cent. Unlike later versions, this specific 1909 issue features the prominent initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. The coin shows significant circulation wear, consistent with over a century of age, featuring a dark brown copper patina.
Key Features
Presence of 'V.D.B.' initials on the reverse; No 'S' mint mark below the date (indicating Philadelphia production); Original Wheat reverse design.
Material & Composition
Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc); No silver content
Finish & Decoration
Original brown mint luster (now circulated patina); Obverse features the profile of Abraham Lincoln by Victor David Brenner; Reverse features two stalks of wheat.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscription 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and date '1909' on obverse; Designer initials 'V.D.B.' found at the bottom of the reverse rim (specific to early 1909 issues).
Construction Details
Die-struck at the Philadelphia Mint using heavy-duty steam or electric powered coin presses.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States; Replaced the Indian Head penny.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Coinage - intended for manual circulation and fingertip handling).
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief die striking; Brenner's sculpture is noted for its detail in the beard and eye, though much has been lost here due to wear.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the '1909' digits; font style of 'LIBERTY'; relative position of the designer's initials; weight consistency (3.1g).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Progressive Era; Introduced to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.
Age Estimate
Dated 1909 (115 years old).
Cultural Significance
The Lincoln Cent was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an idealized 'Liberty' figure.
Condition Notes
Circulated / About Good to Good condition. High points of Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks are heavily worn. Surface shows significant tarnish and typical copper corrosion/oxidization.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD depending on specific grade (The San Francisco 'S' version would be worth $800+).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Use an inert PVC-free plastic flip or archival cardboard 2x2 for storage to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1909-S V.D.B. (extremely rare and valuable San Francisco version); 1909 Plain (no initials); 1943 Steel Cent (wartime composition).
Interesting Facts
The 'V.D.B.' initials caused a public outcry in 1909 as they were considered too large and 'free advertising' for the artist. They were removed mid-year and did not return to the coin (in a smaller size on the shoulder) until 1918.