Numismatic

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Good

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The year 1909 marked a significant transition in American coinage with the introduction of the Lincoln Cent. This particular copper issue, minted in San Francisco, represents one of the most famous and sought-after varieties in the entire series. Crafted from 95 percent copper, the coin features the right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, accompanied by the familiar inscriptions of liberty and trust. What makes this specific issue so remarkable is the reverse design, which frames the denomination of one cent within two stylized stalks of wheat. At the very bottom of the reverse, the tiny initials of the designer, Victor D. Brenner, are visible as V.D.B. Because these initials were removed shortly after production began, and with a total mintage of only 484,000 pieces, this coin stands as a legendary rarity from the inaugural year of the Lincoln series.