1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is arguably one of the most recognized coins in American history. There are a few reasons for this but the main one is that there are stories behind it, and who doesn't love a good coin story? To start, the VDB initials caused quite the kerfluffle. Victor David Brenner, the coin designer, initially placed his full name on the coin (in very tiny letters) on the base of the reverse, bottom center. This wasn't exactly a new event; designers and engravers had been "signing" coins for a while. Charles Barber, Mint Engraver, ultimately changed the full name to initials and the coin was minted and issued. Newspaper reporters, spotting the initials, took exception. They felt they were intrusive and, ultimately, provided illegal free advertising for the designer. In response, mint employees chose to simply remove the initials, rather than move them to a less conspicuous location on the coin. Because so few coins were minted in San Francisco with his initial, they were immediately scarce and their popularity has only continued to grow. 

• Category: Lincoln Cents, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Obverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Reverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Composition: Bronze
• Weight: 3.11g
• Diameter: 19mm
• Edge: Plain