Lincoln Wheat Cent (V.D.B. Variety)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1909
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc)
Brief Description
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.
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.)
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; mintage of approximately 27,995,000. It is a one-year type but readily available in many grades.
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:39:36.427165