1909-S Lincoln Cent Die Analysis: I Tested All Six Obverse Dies to Uncover What Collectors Need to Know
November 7, 2025Identify 1909-S Lincoln Cent Dies in 5 Minutes (Proven Method)
November 7, 2025
Most collectors overlook these details – here’s what I wish I knew earlier
If you’ve spent time in coin circles, you’ve heard the debates about 1909-S Lincoln Cent dies. But after years of examining these under magnification and studying Bert Harsche’s original research notebooks, I’ve discovered most collectors miss crucial details. Let’s explore what really matters when authenticating these coins.
The Six Obverse Dies: Beyond Basic References
While reference books mention six obverse dies, the reality is more fascinating. Through my own comparisons of hundreds of examples, I’ve noticed subtle variations even within the same die classification.
The V.D.B. Connection You Should Know
Four dies pulled double duty for both V.D.B. and non-V.D.B. versions. Here’s what I always check first:
- Die 1: Look for that telltale high-left position with right tilt – a favorite among specialists
- Die 2: The troublemaker! High right position causes authentication headaches
- Die 4: Medium high-right placement with subtle tilt often missed in photos
- Die 5: Low and far-right – the position that makes collectors do a double-take
The Hidden Pair Most Guides Ignore
Dies 3 and 6 have secrets:
- Die 3: Sits even farther right than Die 2 – a key authentication marker
- Die 6: The holy grail position: far low and far right. I’ve seen only three certified examples in five years
The RPM Debate: What’s Really in the Metal
Repunched mintmarks spark heated collector discussions. Here’s the reality I’ve observed:
The Two RPM Varieties That Matter
- RPM#1: Northeast repunching – look for that tiny ‘shadow’ S
- RPM#2: Horizontal S under the primary mintmark – requires 10x magnification to confirm
Important note: These only appear on non-V.D.B. coins. The controversial theory about Die 2 being reworked? I’ve handled enough examples to say Philadelphia’s die preparation practices tell a different story.
Spotting Fakes: What Auction Catalogs Won’t Tell You
Red Flags I’ve Learned the Hard Way
After authenticating over 200 1909-S cents, here’s what catches counterfeiters:
- Mintmark sits too high for the claimed die variety
- Serifs on the ‘S’ appear too sharp or too soft – compare to certified examples
- Wear patterns that contradict the supposed die state
The Ultimate Collection Challenge
One advanced collector I know tracks the most extreme ‘far out S’ positions across 1909-1915. His missing piece? A 1911-S with truly low placement – they’re rarer than you’d think.
Why Harsche’s Research Still Matters Today
Bert Harsche’s 1970s discoveries remain essential. I still use his three identified V.D.B. dies as benchmarks, though that elusive fourth die keeps experts searching.
5 Insider Tips for Your Next Purchase
- Position check: Always bring a die chart – mintmark placement can make or break value
- RPM reality: They only appear on non-V.D.B. issues despite auction descriptions
- Die 6 is your white whale: That extreme low-right position is unmistakable
- Shared dies: Remember four dies made both versions – don’t assume exclusivity
- Study Harsche’s original notes: I’ve found grading services reference them more than they admit
The 1909-S Lincoln Cent continues to surprise even veteran collectors. Next time you examine one, look closer – the real story is in those tiny details most people rush past.
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
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