Numismatic

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent AU-53 NGC

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The year 1909 marked a significant transition for the United States one-cent piece, introducing a design that would become an enduring symbol of American pocket change. This particular specimen, struck at the San Francisco Mint, represents one of the most famous and sought-after issues in the entire history of small cents. Graded as About Uncirculated 53 (AU-53), it retains much of its original detail from more than a century ago. The obverse of the coin features the classic profile portrait of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. Above his likeness, the national motto reads "IN GOD WE TRUST", while "LIBERTY" is positioned to his left, and the date "1909" sits to the right above the small "S" mint mark. This tiny letter denotes its origin at the western minting facility. On the reverse, the design showcases two stylized stalks of wheat framing the denomination "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". At the very bottom edge of the reverse, the prominent initials "V.D.B." are visible. These letters, representing the designer, were removed shortly after production began, making this specific variety with a mintage of only 484,000 pieces a legendary treasure for numismatic enthusiasts.