1909 VDB 1C, RB PR65RB 认证号07453004, PCGS号3301

This green-labeled 1909VDB displays clear and strong classic diagnostics (as recognized by both Leonard Albrecht [1983] and in the John Wexler/Kevin Flynn [1996] manuals). Albrecht (LA) recognizes only one obverse and one reverse die pairing, and this coin demonstrates all the qualities taught by LA (see pg. 2052). Wexler/Flynn (WF), on the other hand, teaches two (2) obverses and three (3) reverse dies (see WF pg. 349). This particular coin, diagnostically, appears to follow the FW Obverse #1, as described diagnostically in the text. None of the diagnostic markers from WF Obverse # 2 are present. However, the reverse of the coin displays the WF diagnostics associated with both Reverse # 1 AND at least one diagnostic element from Reverse # 3. As the same dies are historically known to have been used for the 1909VDB, and then tooled in an effort to save time in minting the ‘plain’ 1909 (I believe that the VDBs were only minted between August 2-5 1909, per WF, page 348 -- I therefore suspect there was much ‘mixing and matching’ of dies for the VDB and plain 1909s), and this will require further research. The answers may or may not ever be known. This particular 1909VDB displays heavy but attractive matte surfaces. Again, that does not necessarily indicate any particular die state (EDS, MDS, or LDS), or whether the coin achieved that surface through acid bath etching or sand-blasting. The obverse has a deep "Purple Haze" toning over an original heavily-under toned luster comprising reds and purples and highlighted with solid red rim toning. The reverse is multi-colored, comprising purples, greens and oranges mingled over the entire surface (the photo is not representative of the true colors or luster of the coin). The obverse is 75% red, and has a good clean strike and no contact marks. The reverse, being so full of color, with only a few minor non-distracting spots, justify a solid PR65RB designation.

Jaime Hernandez

The 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent is by far the scarcest of all the Matte Proof Lincoln cents produced from 1909 to 1916, and including for all non error proof Lincoln cents produced from 1909 to date.

Surprisingly, the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent is not the lowest mintage coin in the Lincoln Matte Proof series as believed for many years. Instead, the 1916 is actually the lowest mintage coin in the Matte Proof Lincoln cent series, followed by the 1915 Matte Proof and then the 1909 V.D.B. Proof, which is the third lowest mintage in the series.

Throughout the years, many 1909 V.D.B. business strike cents have been presented or described as Matte Proof coins. However, an authentic 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent will display great details and square sharp edged rims. Genuine examples will also have a die marker touching the back of Lincoln's coat and right underneath the R and T of Liberty. Authentic examples will also display several die scratches in front of Lincoln’s nose.

It's a mystery as to why there are less than 200 examples in existence of the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln cents, when coins such as the 1916 with the lowest mintage exist in higher numbers. In 1909, or the year in which the Lincoln cents was originally introduced, there was great demand for 1909 V.D.B. cents. Perhaps, the Mint gave some of them out as business strike coins to meet the demand or even worst, maybe the Mint destroyed any examples that they couldn't sell.

Whatever the case is, the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent has always been the most desired coin in the Matte Proof Lincoln cent series.