Would like some opinions please.

[manoverboard70]

I got this coin in a trade. Was told it was a 1909. Today I was looking at it and noticed some marks, where the initials on a VDB are. I'm pretty sure this is a VDB, but as always, id truly appreciate your opinions. Thanks.

 

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[enamel7]

It's the 1909S VDB that's worth the big bucks. If I may ask, what did you pay for it?
HH
enamel7

 

[manoverboard70]

Technically it was free

 

[jerseyben]

Is it a 1909 or 1909-S?

HUGE difference.

If it is NOT the "S" then it has minimal value.

 

[Groovedymond]

When looking at the coin's reverse, it's clear to see that there is little wear on the back. I'd grade it VF to XF. With that being said, I can't imagine how just the VDB would be worn to the point where you can barely see it. I have several VDB's in my collection, and the initials really jump out at you. I tried zooming in on your picture, and though I could see some marks in the general area where the initials would be, I didn't see anything definitive to say that it was a VDB. I'd actually tend to think it wasn't. If you could get that sucker under a loop, or a better picture, we may be able to see more details.

As a side note, one particular line in your original post kinda had me wondering a bit.... "You were told it was a 1909."..... Can you not see the front? Is it worn away? If so.. be careful.. the VDB was on the cents for quite a few years before being removed. It could just as easily be a 1910... 1912.. etc...

 

[jerseyben]

When looking at the coin's reverse, it's clear to see that there is little wear on the back. I'd grade it VF to XF. With that being said, I can't imagine how just the VDB would be worn to the point where you can barely see it. I have several VDB's in my collection, and the initials really jump out at you. I tried zooming in on your picture, and though I could see some marks in the general area where the initials would be, I didn't see anything definitive to say that it was a VDB. I'd actually tend to think it wasn't. If you could get that sucker under a loop, or a better picture, we may be able to see more details.

As a side note, one particular line in your original post kinda had me wondering a bit.... "You were told it was a 1909."..... Can you not see the front? Is it worn away? If so.. be careful.. the VDB was on the cents for quite a few years before being removed. It could just as easily be a 1910... 1912.. etc...

1. It is clearly a VDB.
2. VDB ONLY appears on the reverse if it is 1909. The OP's coin is definitely either 1909 or 1909-S.

 

[huntsman53]

1. It is clearly a VDB.
2. VDB ONLY appears on the reverse if it is 1909. The OP's coin is definitely either 1909 or 1909-S.

I agree 100%! I have owned many 1909-P "VDB" Lincoln Cents (no 1909-S "VDB" Lincoln Cents) as well as have seen thousands from AG's to Gem BU's and have seen many with the "VDB" strong while on many others, the "VDB" was weak to very weak. The weakness is often due to being a Late Die Stage struck coin where the Die was used many times to strike many thousands of coins and due to this and the many repairs (grinding and polishing) in between it's use, have taken a toll on some of the details and lettering and especially the "VDB" initials. This is especially so due to where the "VDB" initials are located on the Dies as well as the coin which is subject to more wear from use, grinding and polishing of the Dies and from circulation and handling of the coins. I would only question the authenticity of the "VDB" initials if the coin has an "S" Mint Mark!


Frank

 

[Groovedymond]

Thank you JerseyBen... I was having a brain fart on the VDB thing... went back, read what I wrote, and realized my mistake. Not sure what I was thinking.

You are right in saying that if the VDB is there, then it's got to be a 1909... 1918.. it was put back on on the obverse... I need to stop replying before I have the proper amount of coffee.

I guess my original questions remain though...

1. Can you clearly see the VDB?? I really can't see it, other than a smudge in the image. That is why I had originally suggested a more clear image.

2. Is the front of the coin worn smooth? This will give a definitive answer on the coin's identity.

Aside from that, there are people out there that study all the die pairs, and can recognize the reverse of this coin by its type. Anyone here know these things to that level?

 

[coinsareawesome]

There was no VDB anywhere on the coin after 1909 until 1917, when it was located under the bust of Lincoln. For the back I would grade it fine to very fine, unless the back is worn smooth, then it would be graded about good to good. Without zooming in on it I can clearly see two of the three letters.

 

[manoverboard70]

Aside from the initials, everything else Id pretty sharp

 

[Joe777Cool]

You were told it was a 1909? Did you try looking on the other side of the coin?

 

[manoverboard70]

Yes, and its clearly a 1909, I was just wondering if everyone here thought the same that it was a vdb.

 

[jerseyben]

Yes, and its clearly a 1909, I was just wondering if everyone here thought the same that it was a vdb.

There have been many replies answering your question... And yet... No follow up from you on the S or pics of the front of the coin.

 

[manoverboard70]

No It isnt an s, God I wish. I will get a pic tonight