1909-S VDB 1C, RD MS(PCGS#2428)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2038

Grade

MS66RD

Price

15,860

Lot Description

A superior example of this perennially popular, key date issue from the first year of the Lincoln cent series. Untroubled by even the most trivial blemishes, the surfaces approach the zenith of numismatic perfection. They are fully lustrous and satiny with outstanding mint color in vivid reddish-orange. Razor sharp in striking detail with extraordinary eye appeal.<p>Among the most famous coins in American numismatics and one that even non-collectors have sought ever since its introduction, the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent has stood the test of time in terms of popularity. The centennial of Lincoln's birth in 1909 provided an opportunity for Theodore Roosevelt to continue with his "pet crime" to revitalize the nation's coin designs. Sculptor and medalist Victor David Brenner suggested to Roosevelt that the cent would be an excellent choice to commemorate Lincoln, especially since Longacre's Indian design was half a century old by that time. Brenner placed his initials at the very bottom on the reverse, a decision that would come to be controversial. When released, long lines formed for the new coins and they quickly proved to be a hit with the public. Almost immediately the initials on the reverse prompted questions and within days new dies were prepared with the initials removed entirely. While the Philadelphia Mint had already produced nearly 28 million coins ahead of the release date, the San Francisco facility had only struck 484,000 examples before the initials were removed. Instantly the San Francisco Mint coins were recognized as rarities. Most managed to escape heavy circulation and thus exist in overall high grades, including Mint State. Despite this, many Uncirculated coins were mishandled or stored improperly, thus three times as many examples are in the Brown category as there are in Red Brown, and nearly seven times as many as opposed to in full Red. Above MS-65, the 1909-S V.D.B. becomes conditionally challenging, and this PCGS MS-66 RD is an undeniable condition rarity. It will be especially desired by numismatists seeking the highest quality.<p><p>