✅ SOLVED 1909-s or 1919s penny?

Ammoman

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I hate when this happens! I found this a couple weeks ago while metal detecting. As luck would have it, I have no idea if this is a 1909-s or 1919s penny.
E8CB6A5A-BBF1-438B-807A-BCA1AE21B0C3.jpeg

I want to see an 0 and I think I see one but it might be wishful thinking.

Any ideas?

Thanks and HH everyone!
 

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invent4hir

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Hmm, after the "19" I see a diagonal line running from 1 to 7 o'clock. Maybe the 3rd digit is a "2".
 

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HuntH2002

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Difficult to distinguish but I think it's what remains of a 2.:zoom:
 

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bowwinkles

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If there is a VDB on the back bottom then it is a 1909. They made it with and without the vdb.
 

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Rookster

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Isn't it the darn truth? Hope you have the 09.
 

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Ammoman

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Thanks for the input everyone. I may never know for sure. Any ideas on chemicals to bring out the date? No VDB on back but it’s just as toasty on that side as well.
Here is another pic
2525ACF7-FF40-4A73-A6E1-A9664F542775.jpeg B82AEF30-004C-48E7-807A-7F55A8210F8F.jpeg
 

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invent4hir

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Double-hmm, I don't see the diagonal line on the second set of pictures, now I see part of a faint arc opening upwards (like the bottom of a "3"). DCMatt works wonders by sharpening and re-coloring photos to bring out details. Hopefully he'll see this thread.
 

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BigWaveDave

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On the obverse lower shoulder along the rim the VDB was put back on the Lincoln cent in 1918, so if you see it, there’s your answer.
 

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desertexplorer

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Try another photo but with a light source like a flashlight shining from the side. A low angle light source will give better details on low relief objects...
 

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xr7ator

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Bigwavedave knows his wheaties! Huntindog is probably right based on mintage numbers and basic logic.

It does almost look like 09s, but I'd check for the vdb on lower shoulder.
 

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Ammoman

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It’s good to know about the lower shoulder initials. I’m at work right now so as soon as I get home I will check it. It’s a pretty toasty penny so we will see.
 

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Ammoman

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As suggested, I looked for a VDB on the bottom left shoulder of the penny. I did not find the initials at first but did find a couple indentations.
I compared these indentations to a penny that shows the full VDB and they line up. So, it looks like the penny is not a 1909.
Thank you to everyone! Mystery is solved! :occasion14:
 

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Anduril

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As suggested, I looked for a VDB on the bottom left shoulder of the penny. I did not find the initials at first but did find a couple indentations.
I compared these indentations to a penny that shows the full VDB and they line up. So, it looks like the penny is not a 1909.
Thank you to everyone! Mystery is solved! :occasion14:

Partially solved, anyway. :)

If you look at the photo really quick (having been away from it for some time), it sure looks like 1929.
I'm about 60% sure that's what it is.
 

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