Description:

1909 Lincoln Cent. VDB. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red & Brown PQ. Lovely shades of red color. Only 1,194 Proofs issued. Matte Proofs were struck in 1909-16 including the first year V.D.B. issue. The types of coin designs in this period (Lincoln Cent, Buffalo Nickel, Mercury Dime, etc.) did not lend themselves to the making of bright-finish or brilliant Proof specimens. It seems that the face of the die touches almost every part of the planchet on the Victor D. Brenner Cents, dulling the surface of even a polished blank. Proof coins of the series therefore were issued with a matte or sandblast finish in the beginning. It wasn't until the 1930s that the mint developed a technique (still tricky) of creating polished mirror Proofs. A rare opportunity to acquire a fresh red Gem of the key 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof!

The first Proof Lincoln Cents delivered by the Philadelphia Mint in 1909 were of the now-popular V.D.B. variety. The Mint's decision to withdraw Victor D. Brenner's initials from the lower reverse border resulted in a premature stoppage in production of the 1909 V.D.B. Any quality magnifying glass permits easy recognition of the matte textured finish. The sharply struck up features confirm this coin's Proof status. Broad, squared-off inner borders offer a frame around the plethora of original color that remains, the otherwise reddish-orange surfaces revealing wonderful iridescence along with a golden-brown sheen. A specimen that would readily identify its new owner as one of the more serious specialists in Lincoln Cents. Pop 25; 7 finer (PCGS # 3301) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000.

Categories: