Finding 1909-S VDB for sale on ebay in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Holy Grail of Wheat Pennies

As a seasoned roll hunter, I can tell you that finding a genuine 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent in circulation is like finding a needle in a haystack. This legendary coin represents the pinnacle of American numismatic achievement and remains one of the most coveted pieces for collectors at every level.

Historical Significance

The 1909-S VDB penny holds a special place in American coinage history. It was the first year of the Lincoln cent series, designed by Victor David Brenner. The initials “V.D.B.” appear on the reverse below the wheat stalks, representing the designer’s signature. However, public controversy over the prominent placement of these initials led to their removal later in 1909, making the San Francisco-minted version with the initials especially rare.

Only 484,000 pieces were struck at the San Francisco Mint, making it the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Lincoln cent. This scarcity, combined with the historical significance of being the first year of the beloved Lincoln series, has cemented its status as a blue-chip collectible.

Identifying Key Markers

When hunting through rolls or bulk lots, knowing what to look for is crucial. The 1909-S VDB has several distinctive features:

• Date and Mint Mark: Look for “1909” with an “S” mint mark below the date
• Designer Initials: “V.D.B.” appears in small letters on the bottom center of the reverse
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Diameter: 19mm

The genuine article will show sharp details in Lincoln’s portrait, particularly in the hair curls and beard. The wheat stalks on the reverse should display clear definition, and the V.D.B. initials, while small, should be crisp and well-formed.

Circulation Finds vs. Bulk Lots

While finding a 1909-S VDB in circulation is extraordinarily rare, it’s not impossible. I’ve heard stories from veteran collectors who found one in a roll from their local bank or in an old cigar box at an estate sale. The key is persistence and knowing what to look for.

Bulk lots from estate sales, auctions, or coin dealers can be more promising hunting grounds. Many people don’t realize what they have, especially if the coin is heavily circulated. Look for lots that contain early wheat pennies or “mixed lots” that haven’t been thoroughly searched.

Red Flags in the Marketplace

The forum discussion highlights an important issue in today’s coin market: the prevalence of scams, particularly on platforms like eBay. Several warning signs were identified:

“And the sellers are usually in CHINA and have very few transactions. And 10 sold or available is just over the top.”

When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. A genuine 1909-S VDB in any condition commands significant value, and no legitimate seller would offer multiple examples at suspiciously low prices.

Another concerning trend mentioned is sellers using pictures of genuine coins while shipping counterfeits. This practice has become more common as scammers try to avoid detection by eBay’s authentication systems.

Value Guide

The value of a 1909-S VDB varies dramatically based on condition:

• G-4 (Good): $600-$700
• VF-20 (Very Fine): $1,200-$1,500
• EF-40 (Extremely Fine): $2,000-$2,500
• AU-50 (About Uncirculated): $3,000-$4,000
• MS-60 (Mint State): $5,000-$6,000
• MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated): $30,000+

Coins with original mint luster and minimal marks command premiums at the upper end of these ranges. The record price for a 1909-S VDB is over $100,000 for a pristine specimen.

Authentication Tips

If you’re fortunate enough to find what appears to be a genuine 1909-S VDB, here are some authentication steps:

1. Weight Test: Use a precise scale to verify the 3.11-gram weight
2. Magnification: Examine the V.D.B. initials under 10x magnification for proper font and spacing
3. Edge Inspection: The edge should be reeded, not smooth
4. Professional Authentication: When in doubt, submit to PCGS or NGC for certification

Conclusion

The 1909-S VDB remains the ultimate prize for wheat penny collectors and represents the thrill of the hunt that drives our hobby. While finding one in circulation is extraordinarily unlikely, the possibility keeps roll hunters searching through countless cents. Whether you’re examining bulk lots at estate sales or carefully inspecting every wheat penny that crosses your path, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Remember the old adage: buy the coin, not the holder. And when dealing with high-value coins like the 1909-S VDB, always insist on proper authentication and documentation. The genuine article is worth every penny of its substantial value, but the market is unfortunately filled with counterfeits targeting unsuspecting collectors.

Happy hunting, and may your next roll contain the find of a lifetime!

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