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Vintage GuideBy Coin Curator10 min readUpdated Report a correction

1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny: The Most Famous Penny

A low-mintage first-year issue associated with the controversy over designer Victor David Brenner's initials. Grade, color designation, surfaces, and authenticity all require careful verification.

The Story: When Lincoln cents launched in 1909 replacing the Indian Head design, designer Brenner included his initials VDB at the bottom reverse. Critics complained the initials were too prominent. After 484,000 strikes at San Francisco (1909-S) and 27.9M at Philadelphia (1909-VDB), the mint removed them. The S-mint variety became the key date of the 100+ year Lincoln series.

Price Tiers

GradeCompNotes
G-4 (Good)Verify current recordsHeavily circulated example
VF-30Verify current recordsModerately circulated example
AU-58Verify current recordsNear-mint example
MS-63 RBVerify current recordsRed-Brown color designation
MS-65 RBVerify current recordsHigher-grade Red-Brown example
MS-65 RDVerify current recordsFull Red designation
MS-67 RDVerify current recordsHigh-grade Full Red example

RD vs RB vs BN (Color Designations)

Copper coins are graded with a color suffix:

  • RD (Red): The grader identifies predominantly original mint-red color.
  • RB (Red-Brown): The surface shows a mix of red and brown color.
  • BN (Brown): Brown color predominates.

For the 1909-S VDB, compare the exact color designation, grade, surfaces, and current records rather than applying a fixed multiplier.

Counterfeit Watch

  • Added S mint mark: Real 1909 VDB cents with added "S" mint marks are the most common counterfeit. Authentication by mint-mark spacing and depth.
  • Re-engraved VDB: Removed VDB Lincolns with crudely re-engraved initials. Look for inconsistent letter forms.
  • Modern Chinese fakes: Increasingly sophisticated, but stand out on weight + composition tests. Real coins are 3.11g (95% copper).
  • Solution: Buy PCGS or NGC graded. The slab + cert lookup is the only reliable defense.

Find Graded VDBs

Use Coin Curator for identification and buying context, then verify current certified inventory directly with graders and marketplaces.

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Storage & handling

A 1909-S VDB is fragile copper, especially in red. Keep it in an Air-Tite capsule or inert Saflip, handle it by the edge, and use a 10x loupe to confirm the S mintmark and the VDB before you buy. See our collector gear guide →

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