1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent XF-45 NGC (Brown)

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In 1909, the United States Mint introduced a new design for the one-cent coin, honoring Abraham Lincoln on the centennial of his birth. This particular copper issue, struck at the San Francisco Mint, represents one of the most famous and coveted entries in American numismatics. With a remarkably low mintage of just 484,000 pieces, it stands as a premier rarity of the entire series. The obverse displays a detailed profile bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Arching above his portrait is the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, while the word LIBERTY is positioned to the left. The year 1909 and the 'S' mint mark are located on the right side. On the reverse, the design features two stylized stalks of wheat framing the denomination ONE CENT and the country name UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The tiny initials V.D.B., representing the designer Victor Brenner, are placed at the very bottom of the reverse rim, a distinctive feature that was removed shortly after production began.