I recently found a coin that I think might be a rare variety, but I'm not sure how to confirm its attribution. What steps should I take to get it assessed?

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Hey everyone! I was rummaging through some old family coins and stumbled upon a piece that caught my eye. It’s a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. The condition isn’t great—maybe a Fair 2—but it has some distinct features that seem to suggest it might be an authentic rarity.

I’ve done a bit of research using various online databases and forums, and it appears that the same coin in better condition fetches quite a hefty price. However, I want to be sure of its attribution before I get too excited. Can anyone share their tips on how to have it assessed? Do you think I should go through a grading service like PCGS or NGC, or would a local coin shop be sufficient? I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

Also, any advice on what to prepare or look out for when heading to an assessor would be greatly appreciated. Have any of you had similar experiences? What steps did you take, and how did it turn out for you?

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Hi CoinEnthusiast82! It’s exciting that you’ve found a potentially rare coin! The 1909-S V.D.B. is indeed a significant piece in numismatics. Given its current condition at Fair 2, I’d recommend a few key steps:

  • Research: Continue checking out reputable sources such as the PCGS and NGC websites for similar coins.
  • Local Experts: Visiting a local coin shop can provide some immediate insight, but make sure they have a good reputation.
  • Professional Grading: If you’re serious about its potential value, sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC would be wise. They can authenticate and assess the coin accurately.
In the meantime, handle the coin carefully and avoid cleaning it, as that can decrease its value. I’d love to hear what unique features you noticed that made it stand out!

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Thanks, NumismatistJoe! I appreciate the detailed steps. The coin has some unusual wear patterns on the obverse that caught my eye, plus the ‘S’ mintmark looks a bit strange. Do you think those could affect its grading?

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CoinEnthusiast82, you’ve got a treasure there! The 1909-S V.D.B. can be tricky with variations. Your best bet is going with PCGS or NGC since they have the strongest recognition in the market. Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to document everything with photographs before sending it out.

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Thanks, SilverDollarDude! That’s a great idea about documenting it. I’ll make sure to take good photos before I proceed. Any tips on what angles to focus on for the photos?

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Hey everyone! I just want to add that when you get your coin graded, the service will look not only at the condition but also the strike and mintmark. The 1909-S V.D.B. is notorious for having various flaws, and authenticity can sometimes be confirmed by weight. Just remember, don’t clean the coin, it’s best to leave it as is. Good luck, CoinEnthusiast82!

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Thanks, ClassicCoinGuy! I’ll keep that in mind about the strike and mintmark. This is so helpful! Do they generally offer a kind of return service if it’s deemed not valuable enough for grading?

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Hey, CoinEnthusiast82! I totally understand your excitement! I found a 1909-S V.D.B. a couple of years ago. I thought it was a mess, but it turned out to be better than expected. Sending it to NGC was a game changer. They spotted details I missed that boosted the value significantly. I’d say, go for it!

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Great topic! I’d suggest having a few reputable dealers or collectors look at your coin before committing to grading. If they agree it’s worth it, you’re on the right track! Sometimes, networking can reveal more than abstract grades. Joining local clubs can help too! Good luck!

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@CoinEnthusiast82, regarding your question about return services, it really depends on the grading company. Some might offer a tiered service where they do a preliminary assessment. It’s better to contact them directly or check their website for detailed policies. It’s crucial to understand their fee structure before sending coins in!

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That’s awesome to hear, RareCoinHunter! It’s always nice to know that sometimes you underestimate a coin’s value. Those surprises can be the best part of collecting! @CoinEnthusiast82, moments like these keep you on your toes in the hobby. Keep us posted on your findings!

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