Preserving Your 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent: A Conservationist’s Guide

Historical Significance

The 1909 VDB Lincoln cent stands as a landmark in American numismatic history. This coin marked the first appearance of Abraham Lincoln on U.S. coinage, designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The controversy surrounding Brenner’s initials (VDB) appearing prominently on the reverse led to their removal after only a few weeks of production, making these early examples with the full VDB marking particularly desirable to collectors.

Identifying Key Markers

The coin in question shows the characteristic features of a 1909 VDB cent: the profile of Lincoln on the obverse, the wheat ears on the reverse, and most importantly, the VDB initials located at the bottom center of the reverse between the wheat stalks. The presence of these initials immediately dates the coin to the very first year of the Lincoln cent series. However, the images reveal an unfortunate scratch on Lincoln’s portrait and what appears to be signs of cleaning, which significantly impact the coin’s value and preservation needs.

Preservation Challenges

I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here is how to keep this safe for the next generation. The 1909 VDB cent faces several preservation challenges that require immediate attention. The scratch on the obverse creates a weak point where environmental factors can accelerate deterioration. Additionally, the signs of cleaning indicate that the coin has already been subjected to potentially damaging processes that may have stripped away protective toning and altered the original surface.

Understanding Toning and Oxidation

Natural toning on copper coins develops over decades through a process of oxidation and environmental exposure. This toning creates a protective layer that actually helps preserve the coin’s surface. The beautiful russet, brown, and even blue-green hues that develop on well-preserved copper coins are not just aesthetically pleasing but serve as evidence of proper storage. Unfortunately, cleaning removes this natural toning, exposing the raw copper to accelerated oxidation and potentially causing irreversible damage to the coin’s surface.

PVC Damage: The Silent Killer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most destructive substances that can come into contact with your coins. Many older coin holders, flips, and albums contained PVC, which can leach out over time and adhere to coin surfaces. This creates a sticky green residue that is extremely difficult to remove and can permanently damage the coin’s surface. The coin in question should be immediately removed from any PVC-containing holder and transferred to archival-safe materials.

Proper Holders for Long-Term Storage

The best storage solution for your 1909 VDB cent involves using archival-quality materials. Look for holders specifically labeled as PVC-free and acid-free. Options include rigid plastic holders made from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, or paper holders made from acid-free paper. For particularly valuable coins, consider using air-tite holders or even professional grading and encapsulation by services like PCGS or NGC, which provide both superior protection and authentication.

To Clean or Not to Clean: The Eternal Question

The short answer: don’t clean your coins. Professional conservationists and experienced collectors universally agree that cleaning coins, especially using abrasive methods or harsh chemicals, almost always reduces their value and can cause permanent damage. The 1909 VDB cent in question has already been cleaned, which means the original mint luster and surface characteristics have been altered. Any further cleaning attempts will only compound the damage.

Understanding Cleaning Damage

Cleaning damage manifests in several ways: loss of original mint luster, hairline scratches from abrasive cleaning, chemical discoloration, and the removal of natural toning. These changes are often microscopic but can be detected by experienced graders and significantly impact a coin’s grade and value. The scratch on this particular coin’s obverse creates an additional vulnerability that requires special attention in storage to prevent further damage.

Environmental Factors to Consider

Proper storage goes beyond just the holder itself. Consider the environmental conditions where you store your coins. Ideal conditions include stable temperature (around 65-70°F), moderate humidity (around 45-55%), and protection from direct sunlight. Avoid storing coins in basements, attics, or areas prone to temperature fluctuations or high humidity. These conditions can accelerate toning, promote corrosion, and create an environment where PVC damage can occur more rapidly.

Handling Your Coin Safely

Always handle coins by their edges, never touching the flat surfaces with your fingers. The oils and acids on human skin can leave residues that promote toning and corrosion. Consider wearing clean cotton gloves when handling particularly valuable pieces. When examining your 1909 VDB cent, use a clean, soft surface like a felt pad or dedicated coin examination tray.

Documentation and Insurance

For coins with historical significance like the 1909 VDB cent, proper documentation adds to their provenance and value. Keep records of when and where you acquired the coin, any known history, and detailed photographs. For coins of significant value, consider specialized collectible insurance that covers numismatic items specifically.

Future Preservation: A Conservationist’s Perspective

The goal of conservation is not to make a coin look brand new, but to preserve its current state and prevent further deterioration. For this 1909 VDB cent, this means stabilizing the existing condition, protecting it from environmental damage, and ensuring proper storage for future generations. The scratch and cleaning damage cannot be reversed, but they can be stabilized to prevent further degradation.

Conclusion: The Value of Preservation

The 1909 VDB Lincoln cent represents a fascinating piece of American history, and even with its imperfections, it remains a significant find. By following proper conservation practices, you ensure that this piece of history remains intact for future collectors and historians. Remember that the goal is preservation, not perfection. Your efforts to properly store and protect this coin will be appreciated by future generations of collectors who may one day study and enjoy this important numismatic artifact.

Whether this coin is a treasured part of your collection or an investment piece, proper preservation is the key to maintaining its historical and monetary value. The small steps you take today in proper storage and handling will pay dividends for decades to come, ensuring that this 1909 VDB cent remains a tangible connection to America’s numismatic past.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Grading the 1916-1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000 – The Art of Grading Standing Liberty Quarters Condition is everything. When evaluating a Standing Liberty Quarter, partic…
• Is Your Standing Liberty Quarter Real? Authentication Guide for This Classic Coin – The Standing Liberty Quarter: A Brief Historical Overview The Standing Liberty Quarter, minted from 1916 to 1930, repres…
• Finding Last Roll Luck in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide – The Thrill of the Hunt You don’t always need a dealer to find something special. Sometimes, the most rewarding dis…