The 1909 VDB Cent: When a Coin Made National Headlines

The Initials That Changed Coin Collecting

In 1909, the Lincoln Cent broke a longstanding tradition against portraying real individuals on U.S. circulating coinage. Victor David Brenner's portrait — the first president on a coin — was revolutionary. But it was his initials "VDB" on the reverse that caused the real uproar.

When the public noticed the prominent "V.D.B." at the bottom of the reverse, newspapers accused the Mint of giving a commercial artist free advertising on the nation's money. The Mint removed the initials almost immediately, creating the 1909-S VDB — with a mintage of just 484,000 — one of the most famous and sought-after coins in American numismatics.

The initials didn't return until 1918, tucked tiny on Lincoln's shoulder where they remain today.

The small cent series spans from the 1856 Flying Eagle (technically a pattern) through today's Lincoln Shield design, encompassing Indian Heads, Wheat Ears, Memorial, Bicentennial, and Shield reverses. The 1943 steel cents, 1955 doubled die, and 1982 composition transition (bronze to zinc) are just a few of the landmarks.

Your Turn

• What's your favorite era of small cents — Indian Head, Wheat, Memorial, or Shield?
• Have you ever found a valuable variety in pocket change?
• What's the best Lincoln cent variety you own?
• 1955 DDO, 1972 DDO, or 1969-S DDO — which is the king of doubled die cents?