The Lincoln Cent holds a singular place in American numismatic history as the first regularly circulating U.S. coin to bear the likeness of an actual person rather than a symbolic figure. Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the series reflects the nation’s evolving relationship with its coinage, transforming a small copper coin into a canvas for national memory and artistic expression. This 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is considered the primary key date in the Wheat Cent Series due to its low mintage and unique design. It is offered here with an AU50 grade and BN designation from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Today, you can get the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in all of American numismatics. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in the very first year of the Lincoln Cent series, it carries the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, prominently displayed on the reverse. The inclusion of this detail sparked immediate public controversy and led the Mint to quickly remove the initials mid-production. With a mintage of only 484,000 pieces, it became scarce almost immediately, and its combination of low population, historical significance, and first-year origin has made it a cornerstone of virtually every serious Lincoln Cent collection ever since.
This 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is certified AU50 by the NGC, with warm, even brown patina and strong details still visible. Most notably, the VDB initials on the reverse remain easily visible and detailed. The BN designation is unique to copper coins and identifies a piece that retains between 5% and 15% of its original red, copper color.
On the obverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, rendered with remarkable dignity and realism by sculptor Victor David Brenner. The reverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, which defines this particular variety, displays two gracefully curved wheat stalks flanking the central legends. The most distinctive feature of the coin is Brenner’s initials V.D.B. centered at the bottom of the coin, the very feature that made this issue both historically notable and short-lived in its original form.
If you have any questions about historic copper coins, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.

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The Lincoln Cent holds a singular place in American numismatic history as the first regularly circulating U.S. coin to bear the likeness of an actual person rather than a symbolic figure. Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the series reflects the nation’s evolving relationship with its coinage, transforming a small copper coin into a canvas for national memory and artistic expression. This 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is considered the primary key date in the Wheat Cent Series due to its low mintage and unique design. It is offered here with an AU50 grade and BN designation from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Today, you can get the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in all of American numismatics. Struck at the San Francisco Mint in the very first year of the Lincoln Cent series, it carries the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, prominently displayed on the reverse. The inclusion of this detail sparked immediate public controversy and led the Mint to quickly remove the initials mid-production. With a mintage of only 484,000 pieces, it became scarce almost immediately, and its combination of low population, historical significance, and first-year origin has made it a cornerstone of virtually every serious Lincoln Cent collection ever since.
This 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is certified AU50 by the NGC, with warm, even brown patina and strong details still visible. Most notably, the VDB initials on the reverse remain easily visible and detailed. The BN designation is unique to copper coins and identifies a piece that retains between 5% and 15% of its original red, copper color.
On the obverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, rendered with remarkable dignity and realism by sculptor Victor David Brenner. The reverse of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, which defines this particular variety, displays two gracefully curved wheat stalks flanking the central legends. The most distinctive feature of the coin is Brenner’s initials V.D.B. centered at the bottom of the coin, the very feature that made this issue both historically notable and short-lived in its original form.
If you have any questions about historic copper coins, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.