Numismatic

1909-S Lincoln Cent VG

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The year 1909 marked a profound shift in American coinage with the introduction of the Lincoln cent, replacing the long-running Indian Head design. This particular copper coin, struck at the San Francisco Mint during that inaugural year, represents the very beginning of one of the most famous series in numismatic history. Even in Very Good condition, the coin retains the essential elements that have made this design an enduring symbol of American currency. On the obverse, the profile of Abraham Lincoln faces right, a portrait created by sculptor Victor David Brenner. The legendary motto IN GOD WE TRUST arches above his bust, while the word LIBERTY stands clearly to the left, and the date 1909 sits to the right. Just below the date, the small S mint mark indicates its origin from the West Coast minting facility. The reverse of the coin is framed by two stylized ears of wheat, which curve around the central inscriptions denoting the denomination, ONE CENT, and the issuing nation, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. At the top rim, the traditional Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed. This first-year issue also carries the designer's initials, V.D.B., at the very bottom of the reverse, a distinctive feature of these early 1909 releases.