While the legendary 1943 Copper Cent and 1969-S Doubled Die Cent often capture the headlines with their multi-million dollar promotional values, there is one classic, low-mintage variety that consistently commands massive real-world auction prices and is considered the “King of Kings” among circulated Lincoln Cents: the 1909-S V.D.B. This coin, struck in the inaugural year of the Lincoln Cent, is the ultimate numismatic trophy for dedicated collectors and has seen auction prices that place high-grade examples firmly in the near half-million dollar range.
🏛️ The History Behind the Rarity: 1909-S V.D.B.
The Lincoln Cent was first released in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The original design included the initials “V.D.B.” (for the designer, Victor David Brenner) prominently displayed on the reverse (back) of the coin between the wheat stalks.
-
The Controversy: After the initial release, the visibility of the designer’s initials on the cent was deemed too prominent and quickly became controversial. Public outcry led the Treasury Secretary to order the removal of the initials shortly after the coin went into circulation.
-
The Resulting Scarce Coin: Because the coin was only struck with the V.D.B. initials for a few days, the total mintage was extremely low, especially at the San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark).
The Numbers Tell the Story:
The tiny mintage of only 484,000 coins for the 1909-S V.D.B. makes it the rarest regular-issue business strike Lincoln Cent.
🔍 How to Identify the 1909-S V.D.B.
Finding this coin requires looking for three crucial features:
-
The Date: It must be 1909.
-
The Initials: Look for the small V.D.B. letters stamped at the bottom center of the reverse (back) side of the coin, between the wheat stalks.
-
The Mint Mark: Look for the tiny “S” mint mark located just below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin.
Note: The 1909 (no mint mark) V.D.B. is common and inexpensive, while the 1909-S (no V.D.B.) is also valuable but far less so than the famous 1909-S V.D.B..
📈 Value and Market Report
The value of the 1909-S V.D.B. is highly dependent on its condition (grade):
-
Circulated Condition: Even a well-worn example (Good condition) is worth at least $500 to $1,000.
-
Uncirculated Condition: A coin in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for $10,000 to over $40,000.
-
Top Grades: An example in superb condition (graded MS-67 Red) has sold for more than $400,000, earning its title as the “King of Kings”.
Finding a 1909-S V.D.B. in circulation is highly unlikely today, but not impossible. Every serious collector dreams of owning this classic coin, making it a true market trophy worth seeking out!
Would you like me to find the current market price for an average circulated 1909-S V.D.B. cent?
