1909 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent

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Description

The 1909 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 2,618 proof cents dated 1909 without the VDB initials. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin, while the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Designed by Victor David Brenner. First year of the Lincoln Cent. The "VDB" initials on the reverse caused a public outcry, and cents without VDB quickly followed. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19.05 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3303. The Lincoln Wheat Cent, introduced in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, broke the longstanding tradition against portraying real individuals on U.S. Among the most widely collected U.S. series. Key dates include the 1909-S VDB (mintage 484,000), 1914-D, 1922 "No D" (weak Denver mintmark), and the famous 1943 copper and 1944 steel transitional errors.