My Big Oopsie Find: An Off-Center Prooflike Nickel That Rewrote the Rules
July 13, 2025Navigating US Mint Subscription Glitches: My Collector Insights
July 13, 2025
I’ve collected coins for years, but stumbling upon the 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent Proof felt like uncovering buried treasure. Like most folks, I knew the 1909-S VDB was legendary, but this proof version? That discovery knocked my socks off – I had no clue how special it really was.
The Auction That Stopped Me Cold
I followed a GreatCollections auction for an MS67+ RD CAC specimen that hammered at $275,625 including fees. Price guides suggested up to $380,000 – numbers that make your head spin! You can see the listing here: 1909 VDB Proof Auction. Watching those bids climb reminded me how serious collectors chase true rarities.
Matte Proofs and Their Secrets
Here’s something fascinating I learned: every Lincoln proof from 1909-1916 has that distinctive matte finish. They’re gorgeous, but there’s a catch – original sulfur-rich packaging often creates colorful toning. If you’re after one, remember that deeper red coins like this auction star are scarce and worth hunting for.
Mintage Puzzles That Defy Logic
Looking at the numbers reveals some head-scratchers:
- The VDB proof had 2,198 minted versus 1,194 plain proofs – nearly double, yet VDBs command huge premiums
- In 65RD condition, VDB proofs reach $55,000 while plain proofs hover around $1,800. Why? Few survived because hoarders bought them by the roll, plus that VDB mystique just hooks collectors
- Even the rare 1916 proof (just 1,050 struck) brings only $8,500 in 65RD – shows how VDB fever drives the market
Collecting Wisdom From the Trenches
Putting together a 20th-century proof set? This coin might be your white whale. I’ve known collectors who gave up because prices got too steep. My two cents? Focus on quality: coins with full red (RD) labels and CAC stickers hold value best. Also, track registry sets like the Red Copper Collection – when top coins reappear there, you see where the market’s heading.
A Collector’s Hard-Earned Lesson
Coins like this teach us to keep our eyes open and our magnifiers handy. If matte proofs tempt you, chase condition and history, and brace for stiff competition. I’ll keep dreaming of finding one, but for now, I’m just grateful to have witnessed such a stunner – it’s the kind of coin that makes our hobby magical.
