1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Fine-12 NGC

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The year 1909 marked a significant transition in United States coinage with the introduction of the Lincoln Cent, replacing the long-running Indian Head design. This particular copper issue, struck at the San Francisco Mint, carries an incredibly low mintage of just 484,000 pieces. It represents the very beginning of the enduring Lincoln Cent series, making it one of the most famous and scrutinized small cents in American numismatic history. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse of the coin features a detailed profile bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Above his portrait are the words IN GOD WE TRUST, with LIBERTY to his left and the date 1909 paired with the S mint mark below. The reverse design is deceptively simple, displaying two stylized wheat ears framing the denomination ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. At the top curve, the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed. What truly distinguishes this specific issue is the prominent placement of the designer's initials, V.D.B., located at the very bottom of the reverse rim. Shortly after production began, these initials were removed from the design, turning this initial run into a celebrated rarity. This certified specimen, graded Fine 12, preserves the vital details of both Brenner's artistry and the historic San Francisco mint mark.