Lot 1358
1909-S Lincoln Cent. VDB. NGC graded MS-66 RB. Old holder. Well struck with lots of mint red visible. A popular key date. Very well defined, right down to the ends of Lincoln's bow tie, with frosty orange-red surfaces that are colorfully overlaid with a dash of pale brown iridescence. The strike is strong, as mentioned, with clear definition to the high points including hair curls and full strength in the wheat ears. Collectors of high quality Wheat Ears-reverse Lincoln Cents would be wise to take full advantage of the fleeting bidding opportunity that this '09-S V.D.B. lot represents. Pop 43; 2 finer in 66 Star (PCGS # 2428) .
On the original models for this coin, Victor David Brenner had spelled out his name. Mint officials rejected this, so Brenner placed just his initials, VDB on the lower reverse. The White House quickly approved this, and forced the Mint to start production immediately. The boldness of the initials worried officials, and soon the press was against the signature. To attempt a compromise, the initial "B" was suggested for Lincoln's shoulder, but Mint Engraver Barber (who normally used his initial "B" to sign coins), rejected this. Soon Brenner's initials were dropped altogether, until Barber's death in late 1917. Starting in 1918, a small VDB was restored on the lower part of Lincoln's shoulder, where they remain to this day.
Once the public realized that coins with the VDB would be replaced due to their controversial nature, many were hoarded. P-mint coins are around in droves, though not the lower mintage (484,000 struck) S-mint. Hence, these have always been popular with collectors, and they have always found feverish demand.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000.
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| Realized $5,520 |
