Lincoln Wheat Cent (V.D.B. Variety)

United States of America · 1909

A copper coin featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two ears of wheat on the back, with the designer's initials 'V.D.B.' at the bottom of the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1909
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 20, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper coin featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two ears of wheat on the back, with the designer's initials 'V.D.B.' at the bottom of the reverse.

Historical significance

1909 was the first year of the Lincoln Cent, replacing the Indian Head Cent. It was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real person. The initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner (V.D.B.), were placed prominently on the reverse but were removed later in 1909 due to public outcry that they were too large, making the V.D.B. variety a significant first-year issue.

Obverse (front)

A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1909'.

Reverse (back)

Two stylized stalks of wheat flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is at the top. The designer's initials 'V.D.B.' are clearly visible at the bottom rim.

Estimated value

$10–$25 in circulated condition; $50–$300+ in higher Mint State grades. (Note: These values are for the Philadelphia mint as shown; the San Francisco 'S' mint version is significantly more valuable.)

What drives this coin's value

Mint mark (presence of 'S'), presence of 'V.D.B.' initials, overall surface preservation, and remaining original copper 'red' color.

Grade assessment

Very Fine / Extremely Fine. The coin shows moderate wear on the high points of Lincoln's cheek and hair and some flattening on the wheat stalks, but most details remain clear with a pleasing brownish patina.

Mintage & rarity

Common; mintage of approximately 27,995,000. It is a one-year type but readily available in many grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Look for crisp 'V.D.B.' initials. On the highly valuable 'S' mint version, check if the 'S' was added later. Modern counterfeits often have mushy details or incorrect metal weights.

Notable varieties & errors

1909-S V.D.B. (Key Date), 1909-S (No V.D.B.), and the 1909-S over S horizontal mint mark.

Similar coins

1909 S V.D.B. (extremely rare/valuable), 1909 No V.D.B. (no initials on back), and later Wheat Cents from 1910-1958.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or an acid-free folder in a dry environment.