How to Spot Rare Errors on Why did pennies go without designer initials from 1910 through 1917

The Mystery Behind the Missing Initials

Most collectors overlook the tiny details that can transform a common cent into a rarity worth thousands. The absence of designer initials on Lincoln cents from 1910 through 1917 represents one of the most fascinating periods in American numismatic history, filled with political intrigue, personal rivalries, and minting variations that error hunters dream about.

Historical Context and Significance

The story begins with Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln cent design, which debuted in 1909 with his prominent “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse. These initials were quickly removed after public outcry about their size and prominence, creating the famous 1909-S V.D.B. rarity. But what happened next is equally compelling.

The failure of the Mint to have no designer initials on pennies for some eight years must have left a bad taste in more than a few mouths, not just Brenner’s.

According to contemporary accounts, the removal wasn’t simply about aesthetics. Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, reportedly worked behind the scenes to ensure Brenner wouldn’t receive recognition on the coin he designed. Barber died in early 1917, and the following year, 1918, saw the restoration of “V.D.B.” initials on Lincoln’s shoulder near the rim.

Barber’s Influence and Mint Politics

Charles Barber appears to have been a formidable figure at the Mint. Contemporary sources describe him as “vainglorious” and suggest he had a problem with Brenner’s initials appearing on the penny. Barber’s own designs, like the Liberty Head nickel, bore no designer initials at all, making the prominent “V.D.B.” on the 1909 cents particularly galling.

The internal politics at the Mint during this period were complex. Barber was Chief Engraver until his death, so his successor, George T. Morgan, couldn’t make changes until he inherited the title. This explains why the initials weren’t immediately restored in 1917.

Key Errors and Variations to Look For

Die Cracks and Breaks

The years 1910-1917 produced numerous die state variations that can significantly increase a coin’s value. Look for:

• Die cracks extending from the rim into Lincoln’s portrait
• Die breaks around the date area, particularly on 1914 and 1916 issues
• Radial cracks emanating from the center of the coin
• Die chips on the wheat ears on the reverse

Double Die Varieties

While less common than on later years, double die varieties do exist in this period. The most notable include:

• 1912 Double Die Obverse – doubling visible on LIBERTY and the date
• 1916 Double Die Obverse – strong doubling on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST
• 1917 Double Die Obverse – subtle doubling on the date and motto

Mint Mark Variations

During this period, mint marks were hand-punched into working dies, creating numerous varieties:

• 1912-D with repunched mint mark
• 1914-D with different mint mark sizes and positions
• 1916-S with repunched mint mark varieties

Specific Errors to Look For

The absence of designer initials created unique error opportunities:

• 1910-S with filled die creating the appearance of ghost initials
• 1914 with die polishing that removed detail from Lincoln’s shoulder
• 1916 with die clash marks showing reverse design elements on the obverse
• 1917 with late die state coins showing extensive die deterioration

Authentication and Value Guide

Authenticating coins from this period requires attention to detail:

1. Check for proper weight (3.11 grams for copper cents)
2. Verify diameter (19mm)
3. Examine the quality of the strike – coins from this era often show weakness on the wheat ear details
4. Look for original mint luster, which should be reddish-orange on uncirculated specimens

Value ranges for key varieties:

• 1912-S in XF40 condition: $50-75
• 1914-D in XF40 condition: $150-200
• 1916 Double Die Obverse in AU50 condition: $500-750
• 1917 with strong die cracks in VF30 condition: $25-40

Modern Research and Resources

Recent scholarship has shed new light on this period. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t solely Barber who orchestrated the initial removal. Contemporary press reporting shows that Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh was the primary instigator, though Barber did block suggestions to replace “V.D.B.” with a simple “B” since both designers shared that initial.

For serious researchers, Roger Burdette’s “Renaissance in American Coinage” series provides invaluable information about the latter Charles Barber years and the internal politics at the Mint from the 1890s through the teens.

Collecting Strategies

When building a collection of these transitional years, consider:

• Focusing on high-grade examples from each year (1910-1917)
• Seeking out die state progressions to show how dies degraded over time
• Looking for coins with interesting toning patterns that enhance eye appeal
• Attending major coin shows where specialized dealers might have these varieties

Conclusion

The years 1910-1917 represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatics, where political intrigue, personal rivalries, and minting variations created opportunities for collectors to find valuable rarities hiding in plain sight. The absence of designer initials during this period wasn’t just a design choice but the result of complex power dynamics at the U.S. Mint.

For error coin hunters, these years offer rich hunting grounds. From die cracks and breaks to double dies and mint mark varieties, the coins produced during this transitional period reward careful examination and detailed knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the historical context and knowing what to look for can turn a casual hobby into a rewarding pursuit of numismatic treasures.

Remember that the devil is in the details – those tiny variations that most people overlook are precisely what make these coins so valuable to knowledgeable collectors. Happy hunting!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The Hidden History Behind the Missing V.D.B. Initials: A Tale of Mint Politics and Power – The Great Initials Controversy: A Political Drama at the U.S. Mint Every relic tells a story. To understand why Lincoln …
• What is the Real Value of Why did pennies go without designer initials from 1910 through 1917 in Today’s Market? – Historical Significance and Market Context Determining the true value of this piece requires looking past the book price…
• Finding Rare Coins in Circulation: A Cherry Picker’s Guide – The Thrill of the Hunt There’s nothing quite like the rush of discovering a hidden gem in a roll of coins. You don…