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1909-S VDB 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS MS65RD
US $8,624
Grade
Add On NONE
Grading service
PCGS
Cert number
56502342
Certification
—
Date
2026-06-09
Category
—
Sub category
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Dealer
Description
1909-S VDB 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS MS65RD
PCGS # 2428
Grading Service PCGS
Grade MS65
Mint Location San Francisco
Year 1909
Designation RD
Strike Business
Grade Add On NONE
1909-S VDB 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS MS65RD
1909-S VDB 1C, RD
SKU: 56502342
A famed first-year key date, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent remains one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable issues in all of American numismatics.
This 1909-S VDB cent represents the inaugural year of Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln design, paired with the original Type 1 Wheat reverse. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with LIBERTY to the left, the date 1909 below, and IN GOD WE TRUST above; the San Francisco mintmark appears beneath the date. On the reverse, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE CENT surround the central wheat ears, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above. Most importantly, Brenner’s initials V.D.B. appear prominently at the base of the reverse, the short-lived feature that transformed this issue into a legendary rarity of the small cent series.
Certified PCGS MS65RD, this example offers Gem Mint State preservation with full Red designation, a combination eagerly sought by advanced Lincoln cent specialists. The strike is notably sharp for the issue, with strong definition through Lincoln’s portrait and crisp reverse detail in the wheat ears and legends. Original mint luster remains vibrant across the surfaces, while the color is a rich, even mint red that enhances the coin’s already considerable visual appeal. Surface quality is consistent with the grade, and the overall presentation is that of a premium, carefully preserved example of this perennially in-demand key date.
Few American coins possess a story as compelling as the 1909-S VDB. Brenner originally placed his full surname at the bottom of the reverse, but during final preparation Mint Engraver Charles Barber modified this to the now-famous initials V.D.B. Shortly after release, public criticism arose, with some newspapers objecting that the initials were too prominent and amounted to improper self-promotion. Rather than relocate the initials, the Mint simply removed them from subsequent production. The result was a short-lived subtype struck only at San Francisco in limited quantity, instantly creating a distinct first-year issue that has captivated collectors for generations. Within the Lincoln cent series, it stands alongside the great classic key dates and is often the single most desired coin in the entire set.
With a mintage of just 484,000 pieces, this is a low-mintage and unquestionably rare issue in all grades, and a true key date of the Lincoln cent series. PCGS reports a population of 967 examples in MS65RD, with only 369 graded finer, underscoring the issue’s scarcity at the Gem Red level relative to the intense demand it commands. For registry participants, type collectors, and Lincoln cent enthusiasts alike, the 1909-S VDB consistently enjoys exceptional market recognition and enduring popularity.
An iconic key-date cent with historic controversy, first-year status, and Gem Red quality, this 1909-S VDB is a cornerstone acquisition for any serious United States coin cabinet.
PCGS # 2428
Grading Service PCGS
Grade MS65
Mint Location San Francisco
Year 1909
Designation RD
Strike Business
Grade Add On NONE
1909-S VDB 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS MS65RD
1909-S VDB 1C, RD
SKU: 56502342
A famed first-year key date, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent remains one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable issues in all of American numismatics.
This 1909-S VDB cent represents the inaugural year of Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln design, paired with the original Type 1 Wheat reverse. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with LIBERTY to the left, the date 1909 below, and IN GOD WE TRUST above; the San Francisco mintmark appears beneath the date. On the reverse, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE CENT surround the central wheat ears, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above. Most importantly, Brenner’s initials V.D.B. appear prominently at the base of the reverse, the short-lived feature that transformed this issue into a legendary rarity of the small cent series.
Certified PCGS MS65RD, this example offers Gem Mint State preservation with full Red designation, a combination eagerly sought by advanced Lincoln cent specialists. The strike is notably sharp for the issue, with strong definition through Lincoln’s portrait and crisp reverse detail in the wheat ears and legends. Original mint luster remains vibrant across the surfaces, while the color is a rich, even mint red that enhances the coin’s already considerable visual appeal. Surface quality is consistent with the grade, and the overall presentation is that of a premium, carefully preserved example of this perennially in-demand key date.
Few American coins possess a story as compelling as the 1909-S VDB. Brenner originally placed his full surname at the bottom of the reverse, but during final preparation Mint Engraver Charles Barber modified this to the now-famous initials V.D.B. Shortly after release, public criticism arose, with some newspapers objecting that the initials were too prominent and amounted to improper self-promotion. Rather than relocate the initials, the Mint simply removed them from subsequent production. The result was a short-lived subtype struck only at San Francisco in limited quantity, instantly creating a distinct first-year issue that has captivated collectors for generations. Within the Lincoln cent series, it stands alongside the great classic key dates and is often the single most desired coin in the entire set.
With a mintage of just 484,000 pieces, this is a low-mintage and unquestionably rare issue in all grades, and a true key date of the Lincoln cent series. PCGS reports a population of 967 examples in MS65RD, with only 369 graded finer, underscoring the issue’s scarcity at the Gem Red level relative to the intense demand it commands. For registry participants, type collectors, and Lincoln cent enthusiasts alike, the 1909-S VDB consistently enjoys exceptional market recognition and enduring popularity.
An iconic key-date cent with historic controversy, first-year status, and Gem Red quality, this 1909-S VDB is a cornerstone acquisition for any serious United States coin cabinet.
