1909 VDB Lincoln Cent MS-66 PCGS CAC (Red)

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The year 1909 marked a significant shift in American coinage with the introduction of the Lincoln Cent, replacing the long-running Indian Head design. This inaugural issue features the detailed portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, facing right. Above his likeness, the words IN GOD WE TRUST are inscribed, with LIBERTY positioned to the left and the date 1909 to the right. On the reverse, the design showcases two stylized wheat ears curving around the central denomination, ONE CENT, and the country name, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM arches across the top. Most notably, this first-year issue displays the prominent initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, as V.D.B. at the very bottom of the reverse design. This particular specimen is preserved in an extraordinary Mint State 66 (MS-66) grade, showcasing its original red copper luster. Out of a mintage of 27,995,000, finding a copper coin from over a century ago in this pristine state offers a vivid look at the very beginning of the United States' longest-running coin series.