Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into my research on the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny recently, and I’m at a bit of a crossroads. With all the subtle differences in die varieties, I’m feeling a little lost on how to attribute mine correctly. I’ve learned a lot, especially about the fine details—like the positioning of the initials, but sometimes I wonder if my findings are on the right track.
What’s fascinating about this coin is how condition affects attribution. Mine is in pretty decent shape, with some light wear, but it’s still difficult to tell if it’s a true ‘S’-mint rarity or just a common variety. I’ve consulted several online resources and forums but would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have any of you gone through this dilemma with other coins?
I’m particularly curious about how you guys determine subtle variety differences. What traits do you consider most important for proper attribution? Are there any go-to guides or resources you swear by? Looking forward to hearing your expert insights!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast88! The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is indeed a coin that has captured the interest of many collectors. When it comes to attributing varieties, I recommend focusing on specific diagnostic features. For the 1909-S V.D.B., look out for the following:
- The placement of the ‘V.D.B.’ initials on the reverse—make sure you can tell if they’re high or low.
- Check the depth of the ‘S’ mintmark; it should be clearly visible.
- Pay attention to the graininess of the fields around the initials, which can be revealing.
Additionally, consider consulting the
PCGS or
NGC sites for detailed guides on publication-specific variegations. I once had a similar situation with a 1916-D Mercury dime and found a lot of clarity by comparing it against
high-quality images in the coin catalogues. Happy collecting!
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I totally agree with @CoinGuru101! The diagnostics are key. Also, the condition you mentioned is vital. A coin in lesser condition could be misleading during attribution. I’ve seen collectors misattribute coins just because they were too eager to declare a ‘rare’ piece. Make sure to take your time and cross-reference! Have you tried posting images on dedicated forums? Sometimes feedback from other collectors can help pinpoint details that you might overlook.
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Don’t overlook lighting, CoinEnthusiast88! The way you light the coin can reveal different features. I do a side-by-side comparison with various lighting angles to help highlight the subtle differences. Also, I rely on the official guides by US Mint which sometimes have orientations for specific varieties too. Happy hunting!
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Thanks, @RareCoinHunter! Lighting is something I haven’t fully considered yet. I tend to just rely on natural light, but I’ll try experimenting with my lamp and see how that goes. Great tip!
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This may sound trivial, but patience is key! I once rushed to attribute a 1955 double die and ended up mistaking it for a common variety. After chatting with some experienced collectors, they pointed out some details that made all the difference. It’s a rewarding experience to identify a rare variety accurately, so take your time!
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Haha, @PennyPal, I can relate! I thought I had a rare 1988 coin but ended up finding out it was just a ‘97 with a really good tan! 
Sometimes the hunt turns into a comedy show! Keep digging, folks!
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Flexibility is essential when it comes to attribution. Sometimes, even expert guides can get it wrong. It might be beneficial to cross-reference multiple resources. Don’t hesitate to post detailed close-ups on forums like this if you’re uncertain. The community can be incredibly resourceful!
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Just wanted to give a shoutout to everyone for the amazing tips! I’m gearing up to take some new pics and really dig into those minor details. I appreciate the collective wisdom here! Keep it coming!
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Have you checked out the latest editions of coin guides that specialize in the Lincoln series? They often lay out characteristics in comparative charts, making it easier to spot discrepancies. Also, remember that certain variations can be very subtle. Sometimes, it might even help to keep a log of your findings as you go through them to track which features differentiate the coins. Wish you luck!
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Thanks, @CollectorAndy123! I haven’t checked out any specific guidebooks yet. Do you have any recommendations for ones that focus explicitly on the Lincoln series? I’d love to delve deeper.
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Absolutely! I recommend checking out “The Lincoln Cent: A Collector’s Guide” by John T. Bowers. It provides detailed attributions and some great color illustrations that can help confirm if you’re on the right track. Hope it helps!
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