1909 Lincoln Cent - VDB (PCGS MS62 BN)

This 1909 Lincoln Cent, featuring the iconic VDB initials of designer Victor David Brenner, stands as a piece of U.S. numismatic history that collectors continue to chase. Graded MS62 BN by PCGS, this coin carries the rich, brown toning that lends it a sense of depth and character, while still preserving its original, uncirculated condition.

The VDB initials, prominently displayed on the reverse at the base of the wheat stalks, were a point of controversy when the coin was first released. Criticism of the designer’s initials being too visible led to their swift removal, creating the two varieties that are now central to Lincoln cent collecting: with and without the VDB. Coins bearing these initials, like this one, represent the original intent and artistry of Brenner’s design—a homage to his work that stands proudly on a coin that millions have held.

The VDB variety of the 1909 Lincoln cent connects collectors to that brief moment in history when a small design detail left a lasting legacy. The coin itself, minted during the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, was the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s portrait, a departure from the classical figures that had graced coinage until then.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Struck in 1909, the first year of the Lincoln cent series, with the VDB initials of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse
• PCGS graded MS62 BN, with attractive brown toning and crisp details
• A significant moment in U.S. numismatic history—the first coin featuring a president’s portrait and the VDB variety that quickly became a collector's favorite
• The VDB initials, while removed from later issues, remain a tribute to the artist behind the design
• An essential piece for collectors of early Lincoln cents, especially those seeking the iconic VDB variety

This 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent is not just a coin—it’s a piece of a fleeting chapter in U.S. coinage history, when a small detail created a divide between two types of collectors. Whether you're just starting your Lincoln cent collection or deep into the world of early 20th-century numismatics, this coin is a cornerstone that reflects both artistry and history.