Finding the 1909 VDB in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Uncovering History in Your Pocket Change

The thrill of the hunt is what drives many collectors to spend hours searching through bank rolls, estate sale boxes, and mixed-date wheat bags. Sometimes, the most rewarding finds come from the least expected places – like a $20 bag of “unsearched” wheat cents from an estate sale reseller. The satisfaction of discovering a key date in circulation or a bulk lot represents the purest form of the hobby – the combination of knowledge, patience, and a bit of luck that makes numismatics so rewarding.

The 1909 VDB: A Controversial Classic

The 1909 VDB Lincoln cent represents one of the most fascinating stories in American numismatics. Victor David Brenner’s initials (V.D.B.) were placed prominently on the reverse of the coin, causing immediate controversy upon release. The public outcry over what many saw as excessive vanity led to the quick removal of the initials, making the 1909 VDB a one-year-only variety with the designer’s mark. This particular specimen shows the characteristic features that make the 1909 VDB so desirable: the complete reverse design with the V.D.B. initials at the bottom between the wheat stalks, and the classic matte finish that distinguishes early Lincoln cents from their later counterparts.

Identifying Key Markers When Roll Hunting

When searching through circulation or bulk lots, there are several key markers to look for when hunting for a 1909 VDB:

• Date and Mint Mark: The 1909 VDB only exists from the Philadelphia mint (no mint mark). Be wary of 1909-S VDB specimens, which are even rarer and would command a much higher premium.
• Designer Initials: The V.D.B. appears in small letters on the bottom reverse, centered between the wheat stalks. This is the defining feature that separates it from the 1909 plain cent.
• Wear Patterns: Early Lincoln cents often show distinctive wear patterns on Lincoln’s portrait, particularly on the cheek and bowtie areas.
• Metal Composition: The 1909 VDB contains 95% copper, giving it a distinctive reddish-brown patina that develops over time.

Common Issues to Watch For

Even when you find a potential 1909 VDB, there are several issues to evaluate:

The specimen discussed here shows an unfortunate scratch on Lincoln’s portrait, which significantly impacts its value. However, the reverse remains in excellent condition, showcasing the full V.D.B. design and serving as a perfect example of this short-lived placement.

Other common issues include:

• Cleaning: Many circulated specimens show signs of cleaning, which collectors generally view negatively
• Gouges and scratches: These can dramatically reduce value
• Environmental damage: Toning, corrosion, or other environmental effects

The Estate Sale Advantage

Estate sales and bulk lots from resellers represent excellent hunting grounds for cherry pickers. The key advantages include:

• Lower prices per coin compared to individual sales
• Opportunity to find unsearched or partially searched lots
• Potential for discovering coins with historical significance
• Ability to negotiate prices on bulk purchases

The collector who found this 1909 VDB mentioned purchasing a “mixed date wheat bag” for $20, which turned out to be the best $20 ever spent. This highlights the potential rewards of bulk lot hunting.

Value Considerations for Damaged Specimens

While a pristine 1909 VDB in MS-65 condition might retail for $500-$700, damaged specimens require different valuation approaches. Factors affecting value include:

• Extent and location of damage (obverse vs. reverse)
• Overall eye appeal despite issues
• Completeness of key design elements
• Market demand for type coins vs. date collectors

Even with the obverse gouge, this specimen retains significant value due to its historical importance and the excellent condition of the reverse, which displays the V.D.B. initials perfectly.

The Next Level: Hunting for the 1909-S VDB

For those who catch the cherry picking bug, the natural progression is hunting for the 1909-S VDB – the San Francisco version with a mintage of just 484,000 pieces. This coin represents one of the key dates in the Lincoln cent series and can command prices from $600 in Good condition to over $10,000 in Mint State.

The forum discussion mentions the goal of finding the San Francisco version, highlighting how one successful find often leads to the pursuit of even rarer specimens.

Tips for Successful Roll Hunting

Based on the experiences shared in this discussion, here are some practical tips for roll hunting success:

1. Develop a systematic approach to searching – don’t just glance at dates
2. Invest in a good magnifier for examining details
3. Learn to recognize cleaning and damage quickly
4. Build relationships with estate sale companies and resellers
5. Keep detailed records of your searches and finds
6. Join online communities to share finds and learn from others

Historical Significance and Collectibility

The 1909 VDB represents more than just a coin – it’s a piece of American art history and a snapshot of early 20th-century sensibilities. Victor David Brenner’s design revolutionized American coinage by introducing a presidential portrait, breaking from the traditional allegorical figures that had dominated U.S. coins.

The controversy surrounding the V.D.B. initials also provides insight into early 20th-century American values and the public’s relationship with their currency. This historical context adds layers of meaning to what might otherwise be seen as just another old penny.

Conclusion: The Joy of the Find

While this 1909 VDB shows damage that affects its market value, the thrill of discovery and the historical significance remain undiminished. For many collectors, finding a key date like this in circulation or a bulk lot represents the purest form of the hobby – the combination of knowledge, patience, and a bit of luck that makes numismatics so rewarding.

The journey from a $20 bag of wheat cents to discovering a 1909 VDB exemplifies why roll hunting and cherry picking continue to attract enthusiasts. Whether you’re searching for your first key date or hunting for the elusive 1909-S VDB, the satisfaction of finding these treasures in unexpected places is what keeps collectors coming back to bank rolls, estate sales, and mixed-date bags year after year.

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