7 Deadly Mistakes Every Collector Makes With 1909-S Lincoln Cent Dies (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve watched collectors make these exact errors for 40 years. Here’s how to dodge the bullet.

After handling thousands of 1909-S Lincoln Cents and mentoring collectors, I’ve seen the same heart-breaking mistakes burn holes in wallets and shatter dreams. These six elusive dies play tricks even on seasoned pros. Today, I’m sharing the seven costly blunders I wish someone had warned me about when I started collecting – complete with battlefield-tested solutions.

Mistake #1: Playing Guesswork With Die IDs

Nothing makes me cringe harder than watching collectors eyeball die varieties. That tiny “S” mintmark holds secrets worth thousands – if you know how to read it:

You’re Probably Guessing If You:

• Skip measuring the “S”‘s exact position relative to the date
• Ignore the mintmark tilt (Die 1 leans like the Tower of Pisa)
• Mix up Dies 2 and 3 (their spacing differences are subtle but critical)

Fix It: The Sandwich Method

Stop guessing and start measuring:

1. Vertical position: High (Dies 1-4), Medium (Die 4), Low (Dies 5-6)
2. Horizontal placement: Far right (Dies 3,5,6) vs cozy with the date
3. Tilt check: If it leans right significantly, you’ve found Die 1

Mistake #2: Mixing Up VDB and Non-VDB Dies

Here’s a shocker: Dies 3 and 6 never made VDB coins. Yet I constantly see collectors paying premiums for “ultra-rare” VDBs from these dies that literally don’t exist.

Don’t Be That Collector

• Assuming a die only made one coin type? Bad move
• Chasing Dies 3/6 VDBs? You’re buying fantasy coins
• Trusting seller claims without proof? Recipe for disaster

Fix It: The VDB/Non-VDB Crosswalk

Before buying any 1909-S cent:

1. Spot the VDB (or lack thereof) first
2. For VDB coins: Only consider Dies 1,2,4,5
3. Non-VDB? Now include Dies 3 and 6
4. Verify using CopperCoins reference images

Mistake #3: RPM Fever Dreams

Repeat after me: There are only two legitimate RPM varieties. I’ve lost count of collectors showing me “new discoveries” that turn out to be die deterioration or worse – machine doubling.

RPM Red Flags

• Any “VDB RPM” claim (these don’t exist!)
• Doubling that looks different from documented examples
• Forum “discoveries” without third-party verification

Fix It: The RPM Reality Check

When you spot potential doubling:

1. Confirm it’s a non-VDB coin first
2. Check for Die 3 or 6 characteristics
3. Compare to verified RPM images
4. Slab it with NGC/PCGS for attribution

Mistake #4: Getting Duped by Fakes

My most expensive lesson? A PCGS-certified fake 1909-S VDB that cost me $8,500. Today’s forgers target Dies 2 and 5 – they know we get complacent with “common” varieties.

Counterfeit Spotting 101

• Denticles that don’t match genuine examples
• Tool marks near the mintmark (get that 10x loupe out)
• Weight discrepancies (real coins = 3.11g ±0.05g)
• Soft details on Lincoln’s coat

Fix It: The Harsche Method

Adopt Bert Harsche’s authentication approach:

1. Study his “Detecting Altered Coins” reference images
2. Create alignment overlays for key features
3. Check metal flow patterns around the mintmark
4. Scrutinize reverse berry details (forgers often botch these)

Mistake #5: Believing Die Fairy Tales

Let’s bust myths: Dies never traveled back to Philly for repunching. This misunderstanding leads collectors to invent non-existent RPMs and misdiagnose die states.

Historical Truth Bombs

• Mintmarks were punched in Philadelphia ONLY
• Dies stayed put once shipped to San Francisco
• All RPMs happened during initial punching
• Die 2’s quirks weren’t “fixed” mid-production

Fix It: Mint Process Boot Camp

Educate yourself properly:

1. Devour Don Taxay’s The U.S. Mint and Coinage
2. Dig into National Archives mint records
3. Take ANA’s minting process course
4. Pick specialist dealers’ brains at major shows

Mistake #6: Skipping the Paper Trail

My $15,000 near-miss taught me: No pedigree = no deal. In today’s market, counterfeiters target “raw” coins hoping you’ll skip documentation checks.

Provenance Red Flags

• Sellers claiming “fresh to market” for key dies
• No auction records before the digital age
• Toning that looks artificially even
• Slabbed coins with gaps in certification history

Fix It: The 5-Step Paper Chase

1. Demand full pedigree docs (no excuses!)
2. Cross-reference PCGS/NGC population reports
3. Scour Heritage Archives for past sales
4. Verify certification number consistency
5. Check Cherrypickers’ Guide listings

Mistake #7: Chasing Ghost Varieties

I watched a collector waste 7 years seeking “farout S” varieties that don’t exist. Don’t let confirmation bias empty your bank account.

Variety Validation Rules

• Must be listed in major variety guides
• Requires NGC/PCGS attribution
• Needs published documentation (not forum posts)
• Beware “discoveries” from sellers with inventory to move

Fix It: The CONECA Reality Check

1. Submit potential finds to CONECA first
2. Get written attribution from experts
3. Wait for third-party service recognition
4. Document EVERY characteristic before buying

Your Action Plan for Smarter Collecting

Master these seven lessons and you’ll avoid 90% of 1909-S pitfalls. Remember:

1. Measure twice, buy once
2. Respect the minting process
3. Paperwork protects your investment
4. When in doubt, get it slabbed out

In this game, millimeters mean thousands of dollars and seconds of verification prevent years of regret. Keep your loupe clean, your references handy, and happy hunting!

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