Coin Highlights:
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Mint: Philadelphia
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Designer: Victor David Brenner
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Mintage: 27,995,000
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Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
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Diameter: 19.05 mm
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Weight: 3.11 grams
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Grade: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
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Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right
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Reverse: Wheat ears flanking “ONE CENT,” with “VDB” initials at bottom center
Historical Significance
The 1909 VDB cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the Indian Head cent. Brenner’s initials on the reverse caused such an outcry that the Mint removed them later in the year, creating two key types: 1909 with VDB and 1909 without VDB. This version is the more collectible of the two due to its shorter production span and strong public awareness.
