1909 Lincoln Cent - No VDB (PCGS MS63 BN) (311034)

1909 Lincoln Cent - No VDB (PCGS MS63 BN)

The 1909 Lincoln Cent, struck in the year that marked the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, is a coin that carries both history and artistry in every detail. This particular piece, graded MS63 BN by PCGS, represents the early days of the Lincoln cent series, without the VDB initials of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse.

The absence of the VDB—a detail often overlooked by the casual observer—places this coin among an exclusive group. The initials were removed shortly after the initial release due to public backlash over their prominent display, making these early no-VDB cents both a curiosity and a prized collector’s item. With its BN (brown) toning, this coin exudes a rich patina, adding depth to its historical significance. It carries the unmistakable mark of time while maintaining the sharpness of detail that defines an uncirculated example.

The introduction of the Lincoln cent in 1909 was a watershed moment in U.S. coinage history—it was the first time a U.S. president was depicted on a circulating coin. This coin not only honors Lincoln’s legacy but also marks a shift in the way America commemorated its leaders through its currency.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Struck in 1909, the first year of the Lincoln cent series, without the VDB initials on the reverse
• PCGS graded MS63 BN, with beautiful brown toning that enhances the coin’s historic appeal
• Designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials were controversially removed early in the production run
• A significant moment in U.S. numismatic history—the first time a president was depicted on circulating coinage
• A must-have for collectors who appreciate the nuances of early U.S. coin design and the rarity of the no-VDB variety

This 1909 Lincoln cent, in its subtle brown hues and with the unique omission of the VDB initials, stands as a testament to a turning point in American coinage—a moment when tradition gave way to modernity and history was literally etched into metal.