Finding Why did pennies go without designer initials from 1910 through 1917 in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Mystery of Missing Initials: A Roll Hunter’s Perspective

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

As a dedicated roll hunter, I’ve spent countless hours searching through bank rolls, estate sale boxes, and bulk coin lots looking for hidden treasures. One of the most fascinating stories in American numismatics involves the curious absence of designer initials on Lincoln cents from 1910 through 1917. This seven-year gap represents not just a historical curiosity but also an opportunity for collectors who know what to look for.

Historical Significance: The V.D.B. Controversy

The story begins in 1909 with the introduction of the Lincoln cent, designed by Victor David Brenner. The original coins featured his prominent initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse, but public outcry over their size led to their removal later that same year. What followed was a seven-year period where no designer initials appeared on the penny at all.

According to historical accounts, Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, played a significant role in this controversy. Barber, who had been the dominant figure at the Mint for decades, reportedly resented the attention given to Brenner’s design and worked behind the scenes to ensure his initials wouldn’t appear on subsequent issues.

Barber died in early 1917, and the very next year, in 1918, Brenner’s initials were restored to the Lincoln cent. This time, they appeared in a much more subtle location on Lincoln’s shoulder near the rim, where they remain to this day.

Identifying Key Markers: What to Look For

When searching through circulation or bulk lots, here’s what you need to know about these no-initials Lincoln cents:

• Dates to watch for: 1910 through 1917 Lincoln cents
• Key characteristics: No designer initials anywhere on the coin
• Common mint marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D) for later years
• Metal composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)

Spotting Quality Specimens

When cherry picking through bulk lots, pay attention to:

• Condition: Look for coins with minimal wear, especially on Lincoln’s portrait and the wheat ears on the reverse
• Luster: Original red or red-brown examples are more desirable
• Strike quality: Well-struck examples show better detail in the wheat stalks and Lincoln’s hair

Where to Find These Historical Treasures

As a roll hunter, I’ve had the most success finding these coins in the following places:

Bank Rolls

Pre-1940 cents occasionally appear in penny rolls from banks. While finding a 1910-1917 cent without initials is rare, it’s not impossible. Focus on rolls from areas with older populations who might have held onto coins longer.

Estate Sales and Garage Sales

Older estates often contain jars or boxes of old coins. The no-initials Lincoln cents are frequently overlooked by sellers who don’t recognize their historical significance. I once found a 1915 cent in XF condition at a garage sale for just 25 cents!

Bulk Lots from Dealers

Many coin dealers sell bulk lots of wheat cents by the pound or in large lots. These are prime hunting grounds for cherry pickers. The key is to develop a systematic approach to examining each coin quickly but thoroughly.

Online Auctions and Marketplaces

While not technically “in the wild,” online marketplaces often have lots of circulated wheat cents. Look for lots described simply as “wheat cents” rather than those specifically identified as key dates.

Authentication and Value Guide

Authenticating these coins is relatively straightforward since they’re common enough that counterfeits are rare. However, here are some tips:

Key Dates and Values

While all no-initials Lincoln cents have historical interest, some dates are more valuable than others:

• 1914-D: The key date of the series, worth $150+ in Good condition
• 1914-S: Also scarce, worth $50+ in Good condition
• 1912-S: Scarce and worth $20+ in Good condition
• 1915: Moderately scarce, worth $5+ in Good condition
• Other dates: Generally worth $1-3 in Good condition

Grading Considerations

For these early Lincoln cents, condition is everything. Here’s what to look for:

“I am not as hard on Barber as some people. He knew how to make dies which were durable and which produced consistently well struck coins.” – BillJones

This durability means many no-initials cents survived in better condition than other contemporary coins, making high-grade examples more available than you might expect.

Advanced Cherry Picking Strategies

Once you’ve mastered finding the basic no-initials cents, consider these advanced strategies:

Die Varieties

Several die varieties exist within the no-initials series. The most famous is the 1917 doubled die obverse, which can show significant doubling in the date and motto. These command substantial premiums over regular examples.

Color Preservation

Look for examples that have retained their original red color. These are increasingly rare in circulation and can be worth 5-10 times more than brown examples in the same grade.

Full Details Coins

Coins that have been spared from harsh cleaning or environmental damage and retain full details are highly sought after. Check the wheat stalks and Lincoln’s hair for signs of detail loss.

The Legacy of the No-Initials Period

The seven-year absence of designer initials on Lincoln cents represents more than just a gap in mint markings. It tells the story of internal politics at the U.S. Mint, the tension between artistic vision and institutional control, and ultimately, the triumph of recognition for artistic contribution.

As one forum contributor noted, “Barber must have been a very intimidating figure. I surmise that Morgan didn’t want to step on Barber’s issues, so he waited till he passed away before restoring the V.D.B. to the Cent.” This observation highlights the human element behind these seemingly simple coins.

Conclusion: A Collector’s Journey

The no-initials Lincoln cents from 1910-1917 offer collectors a unique opportunity to own pieces of numismatic history that tell a compelling story. Whether you’re a casual roll hunter or a dedicated cherry picker, these coins reward careful searching and knowledge.

Remember that the thrill of the hunt is part of the hobby. Each time you search through a new batch of coins, you’re participating in a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of coin collecting. The no-initials Lincoln cents serve as a reminder that behind every coin is a story waiting to be discovered.

Happy hunting, and may your next roll contain a piece of this fascinating history!

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