The 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent was the first Lincoln Cent issued in the series which has now lasted over 100 years. The 1909 VDB is also a one-year type coin as it was the only year the designer's initials were located on the reverse of the coin. After only a couple of weeks of production, Brenner's initials were removed from the reverse of the coin, creating this highly popular variety. Surprisingly, during the short run of production of 1909 VDB Lincoln Cents, two different doubled die obverse varieties were produced. The second of which, designated as FS-1102 is said to be more rare than the FS-1101, though it is not as expensive as the more collected FS-1101 which shows more extreme doubling. The doubling on the obverse of the FS-1102 can be seen with an extra thickness on the first 9 in 1909 as well as in the letters of LIBERTY, particularly in the B and R. Other diagnostics of the FS-1102 include die clashing under Lincoln's chin and under the C of CENT on the reverse.
This example of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-1102 (Die 2) has been graded MS66RD by PCGS and is encapsulated in one of the newer-style edge-view holders. A TrueView photo was taken by PCGS which captures the beauty of this coin in the best light. The FS-1102 DDO variety has been attributed by PCGS on the label as well. The coin is bright red with nice original luster and shows the doubled die obverse variety very well. There are some minor spots that are exaggerated in the TrueView photo somewhat as they are almost unnoticeable in hand due to the strong mint luster of this coin that captures the eye of the viewer. The included photos of the coin in the PCGS slab are much more accurate than the TrueView with respect to the overall look of the coin. Only fifteen (15) examples of this variety have been certified at the MS66RD grade by PCGS with only five (5) coins grading higher; three (3) coins grading MS66+RD and two (2) grading MS67RD. A beautiful high grade bright red example of this popular first-year Lincoln Cent variety. |