Hey fellow collectors! I recently stumbled upon my grandfather’s old coin collection while cleaning out the attic, and I was thrilled to find a 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln penny nestled among the other coins. It’s a bit tarnished, with some wear around the edges, but the “V.D.B.” at the bottom is still clear. I know that this coin has a fascinating history, being a key date for collectors, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
From my own research, I’ve seen that the value of the 1909 V.D.B. can vary significantly depending on its condition, graded from AG to MS. Coins in uncirculated or high grades can fetch impressive sums, while more worn examples like mine are likely to be lower but still potentially valuable. I’m genuinely curious if anyone out there has sold or appraised a similar coin. What kind of offers did you get?
Additionally, what condition does your V.D.B. sit in? Are there specific tips or tricks you’d recommend for cleaning or storing this type of coin? I’d love to hear your stories and insights, especially if you’ve had any luck with similarly rare finds!
Congrats on the find! The 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln penny is indeed a prized possession for any collector. Based on your description, if it’s just tarnished and has decent detail, it could be worth anywhere from $100 for a lower grade (like AG) to over $1,000 if it’s in higher grades. I had a similar find a few years ago, a more pristine example that I got graded by NGC, which came out as MS-65. I ended up selling it for about $3,500. If you haven’t yet, check out the grading guidelines on NGC’s site.
- Stay away from cleaning! It can devalue your coin drastically.
- Store it properly to maintain its condition – consider a capsule or a holder.
Good luck with it!
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Thanks @coinlover99 for the insight! Your experience is super helpful. I didn’t realize it could be worth so much. I’ll definitely take your advice on not cleaning it. How do you recommend getting it appraised?
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That’s awesome! The 1909 V.D.B. has a rich history, especially with the controversy back then regarding the designer’s initials. Condition, rarity, and market demand are key factors in determining value. For an older coin like this one, provenance can also play a huge role, so keep that in mind as you explore options. If you’re looking to appraise it, local coin shops or reputable online appraisers might be your best bets. Just make sure the appraiser has good reviews to avoid any unscrupulous behavior.
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Thanks for the history lesson @historicalcoinnerd! It’s great to know there’s a story behind my find. I’ll definitely look into local appraisers and check their reviews. Any recommendations for online appraisers?
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I also found a 1909 V.D.B. about a year ago! Mine was in better condition though. I sold it on eBay after getting it graded and made around $2,000. Just be careful with selling as some collectors can be very picky!
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Wow, @silvercollector88, that’s impressive! I didn’t realize the potential value could be so high. Were there any specific selling tips you could share? Did you have any concerns about dealing with buyers online?
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Definitely! Here are a few tips I learned:
- Research prices on different platforms to gauge value.
- Always take clear pictures that show the coin from multiple angles.
- Be upfront about any flaws to avoid disputes.
- Consider using services like PCGS for certification.
I had a few buyers with a lot of questions but nothing major went wrong. It’s all about being transparent!
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Hey, don’t forget about population reports too! The higher the grade, the fewer coins exist, and that can significantly drive up the value. You can view the population reports on sites like NGC or PCGS. Just a cool fact to consider!
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Thanks for the great tips @silvercollector88! This helps a lot. I’ll definitely check out those sites for population reports too, @pennywise101! It’s reassuring to be part of a community where we can share experiences like this. Collecting is really rewarding!
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Fantastic find! Just a warning though: if you decide to clean it, make sure you know what you’re doing, so you don’t end up ruining it. I’ve seen some collectible coins lose massive value from amateur cleaning efforts. It’s better to consult a professional if you’re unsure!
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Thanks @numismatist_john! I’ll definitely heed your warning. I want to preserve this coin as best as I can. Your advice is really valuable!
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