Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Lincoln Cents
1909-S 1C VDB MS67 Red PCGS Secure. Few coins evoke childlike wonder like the 1909-S VDB. For collectors who started out in this hobby filling spaces in Whitman albums or some such holders, the 1909-S VDB always represented the pinnacle of achievement. The acquisition of an example, no matter the condition, was a true mark of accomplishment. Those unable to secure this San Francisco key in their early days of collecting would often remain committed to procuring an example as the years progressed and they became increasingly devoted (and able) to completing this ever-popular 20th century set. That, in essence, is the appeal of the 1909-S VDB cent. We are proud to offer this spectacular MS67 Red representative, sure to bring out the youthful exuberance of the most advanced specialist.
The California branch mint famously struck 484,000 coins bearing Victor David Brenner's new portrait of Lincoln in August 1909. Commentators quickly chided the sculptor for prominently featuring his initials along the lower reverse border. In response, the Mint modified the design, eliminating the offending letters. The issue's mintage stands out as the lowest in the century-old series.
The 1909-S VDB is, without question, the perfect case of demand vastly outpacing supply. Examples, of which a fair number survive thanks to widespread hoarding at the time of release, are highly sought-after. There simply are not enough coins out there to satisfy all collectors. That is particularly true of Mint State pieces, and even more appropriate for those with Red surfaces. Coins can be acquired for a price in MS65 Red and become scarce in Premium Gem condition, but MS67 Red is where the 1909-S VDB cent becomes a true rarity. PCGS has seen merely 15 such submissions, while NGC records a single coin in the same grade (10/16). The figures likely include several resubmissions. One thing is certain: the present offering is among the finest known representatives of this collector-favorite issue, which proudly holds the 14th spot on the list of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.
The obverse displays light pumpkin-gold color with glints of sky-blue, while the reverse is more richly toned in shades of copper-orange and lilac. These magnificent hues combine with vibrant mint frost to generate unsurpassed eye appeal. Surface preservation is exquisite, and the impression, initials included, is pinpoint-sharp.
1909-S 1C VDB MS67 Red PCGS Secure. Few coins evoke childlike wonder like the 1909-S VDB. For collectors who started out in this hobby filling spaces in Whitman albums or some such holders, the 1909-S VDB always represented the pinnacle of achievement. The acquisition of an example, no matter the condition, was a true mark of accomplishment. Those unable to secure this San Francisco key in their early days of collecting would often remain committed to procuring an example as the years progressed and they became increasingly devoted (and able) to completing this ever-popular 20th century set. That, in essence, is the appeal of the 1909-S VDB cent. We are proud to offer this spectacular MS67 Red representative, sure to bring out the youthful exuberance of the most advanced specialist.
The California branch mint famously struck 484,000 coins bearing Victor David Brenner's new portrait of Lincoln in August 1909. Commentators quickly chided the sculptor for prominently featuring his initials along the lower reverse border. In response, the Mint modified the design, eliminating the offending letters. The issue's mintage stands out as the lowest in the century-old series.
The 1909-S VDB is, without question, the perfect case of demand vastly outpacing supply. Examples, of which a fair number survive thanks to widespread hoarding at the time of release, are highly sought-after. There simply are not enough coins out there to satisfy all collectors. That is particularly true of Mint State pieces, and even more appropriate for those with Red surfaces. Coins can be acquired for a price in MS65 Red and become scarce in Premium Gem condition, but MS67 Red is where the 1909-S VDB cent becomes a true rarity. PCGS has seen merely 15 such submissions, while NGC records a single coin in the same grade (10/16). The figures likely include several resubmissions. One thing is certain: the present offering is among the finest known representatives of this collector-favorite issue, which proudly holds the 14th spot on the list of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.
The obverse displays light pumpkin-gold color with glints of sky-blue, while the reverse is more richly toned in shades of copper-orange and lilac. These magnificent hues combine with vibrant mint frost to generate unsurpassed eye appeal. Surface preservation is exquisite, and the impression, initials included, is pinpoint-sharp.