Finding GTG Lincoln cents 1909s vdb 1914d and 1922 no d in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt

You don’t always need a dealer to find these treasures. Here’s 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 sales, and mixed lots in pursuit of those elusive key date Lincoln cents that can make your collecting journey truly rewarding.

The Holy Trinity of Lincoln Cent Collecting

The 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D weak reverse represent three of the most sought-after Lincoln cents in the series. These coins aren’t just valuable—they’re historical artifacts that tell the story of early 20th century American coinage. Let me walk you through what makes each of these varieties special and how you might spot them in the wild.

1909-S VDB: The King of Lincoln Cents

The 1909-S VDB stands as the undisputed king of Lincoln cent collecting. With only 484,000 pieces minted at the San Francisco Mint before public outcry led to the removal of Victor David Brenner’s initials from the reverse, this coin represents the ultimate prize for many collectors.

What to look for:

• The prominent “S” mint mark positioned between the V and D in “V.D.B.” on the reverse
• The distinctive “S” should appear compressed and slightly tilted
• Position #3 is most common, with the S about halfway under the 0 in the date
• Check for the characteristic wheat ear design on the reverse

“The 1909-S VDB is not just a coin—it’s a piece of American numismatic history that captures a moment of controversy and change in our coinage system.”

1914-D: The Elusive Denver Rarity

The 1914-D from the Denver Mint presents a different kind of challenge. With a mintage of just 1,193,000 pieces, it’s significantly more available than the 1909-S VDB, but finding one in decent condition is remarkably difficult since most entered circulation and stayed there.

Key identification points:

• Clear “D” mint mark below the date on the obverse
• Look for the characteristic sharpness in the wheat stalks on well-preserved examples
• Be aware that the reverse rim at 8 o’clock may appear silvery or worn on circulated pieces

1922 No D Weak Reverse: The Error That Wasn’t

The 1922 No D variety represents one of the most fascinating stories in American numismatics. Contrary to popular belief, these weren’t intentional errors but rather the result of excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint during a period when no cents were officially struck there.

Identification characteristics:

• Absence of the “D” mint mark below the date
• Weak reverse details—even Mint State examples show detail equivalent to a Fair-2 coin
• Must be graded primarily from the obverse, which should show at least VG detail
• Die Pair #3 is most common, appearing in both “Faint D” and “No D” states

Grading Considerations for Roll Hunters

When you’re examining potential finds, understanding the grading nuances becomes crucial. Here’s what experienced collectors look for:

1909-S VDB Grading Guide

Based on community consensus, a typical example might grade VF-20 to VF-25. The key is examining:

• Liberty’s hair detail—should show separation in major strands
• The wheat ear details on the reverse
• Overall eye appeal and surface preservation

1914-D Grading Considerations

A well-circulated 1914-D typically falls in the F-15 range. Focus on:

• The completeness of the wheat stalk details
• The definition of Lincoln’s coat and bowtie
• The overall strike quality, which can vary significantly

1922 No D Weak Reverse Grading

This variety presents unique challenges. The reverse is so weakly struck that grading must emphasize the obverse. A typical example grades G-4 to G-6 based on:

• The visibility of “LIBERTY” and the date
• The overall definition of Lincoln’s portrait
• The wheat stalk details, though weak on all examples

Authentication and Certification Decisions

One of the most debated topics in our community is whether these coins should be slabbed. Here’s my perspective as a practical roll hunter:

When to consider certification:

• If you’re selling pieces valued at $1,500 or more total
• When authenticity might be questioned by potential buyers
• If you’re targeting high-end collectors who prefer certified coins

When raw coins are acceptable:

• For personal collections where you trust your authentication skills
• When selling to experienced collectors who can verify authenticity
• If certification costs would significantly impact your profit margin

“I think these coins should always be graded even if details because there’s so much doubt around legitimacy. And I’m someone who gets really grouchy about how everyone wants to slab everything these days.”

Spotting Counterfeits in the Field

Counterfeit detection is crucial when hunting these valuable varieties. The 1909-S VDB is particularly targeted by counterfeiters. Here are warning signs:

• “S” mint mark that appears too spread out or incorrectly shaped
• Incorrect spacing between letters in “V.D.B.”
• Wrong die characteristics or design elements
• Unusual surface texture or incorrect metal composition

Always compare potential finds against known genuine examples and consult reference materials before making significant purchases.

Where to Find These Treasures

As a roll hunter, I’ve had the most success finding these varieties through:

1. Bank rolls from smaller institutions in rural areas
2. Estate sales and coin accumulations from older collectors
3. Mixed lots at coin shows and auctions
4. Online marketplaces with detailed photographs

The key is developing a systematic approach and knowing exactly what to look for before you start searching.

Building Your Cherry Picking Strategy

Successful cherry picking requires more than just luck. Here’s my proven strategy:

Preparation Phase

• Study high-resolution images of genuine examples
• Learn the specific die characteristics of each variety
• Understand the typical wear patterns for each date
• Set a budget and stick to it

Execution Phase

• Examine coins systematically, date by date
• Use proper lighting and magnification
• Take detailed notes on potential finds
• Verify authenticity before making offers

Conclusion: The Rewarding Journey

Finding a genuine 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or 1922 No D weak reverse in circulation or bulk lots represents the pinnacle of cherry picking success. While these discoveries are increasingly rare, the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding these numismatic treasures make the effort worthwhile.

Remember that authentication is crucial, especially for the 1909-S VDB, which has been extensively counterfeited. Whether you choose to certify your finds or sell them raw, knowing exactly what you have and being able to accurately describe its condition will serve you well in the collecting community.

Happy hunting, and may your next roll contain one of these legendary Lincoln cents!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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• Protecting Your Lincoln Cent Treasures: Expert Preservation Guide for 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D – Introduction: The Conservationist’s Warning As a dedicated collector, I’ve witnessed far too many irreplacea…