Lot 1354
1909-S Lincoln Cent. VDB. PCGS graded MS-64 Red. The obverse of this key date coin is nearly a full gem, while the reverse has some streaky toning ranging from yellow to red, as often seen on these. Sharply impressed, and a nice coin to represent the key date Lincoln issue. Only 484,000 were struck, but many were saved as the first of their type. A trace of an old fingerprint on the obverse.
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. Naturally, the boldness of the initials worried officials, and soon the press was against the audacious 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), vehemently 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 the outcry of the bold initials on the lower reverse, many were hoarded. Hence, these have always been popular with collectors, and they have always found feverish demand.
Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300.
|
| |
| Realized $1,783 |
