No United States coin design has had a longer run than the Lincoln cent. Commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt and designed by Victor David Brenner, the sculptor saw the prominent placement of his initials (on the bottom reverse) overturned by public opinion early in its inaugural year. While the removal did not create an absolute rarity, it launched a coin variety that is mandatory in all 20th century type sets. Lot 95046 of our February 26 CCO Auction presents an example of this iconic cent graded MS-67 RD by PCGS. Although it is an issue that is readily available in high grades, it is tricky to find at this grade level; there are only 82 graded higher, a deceptively low number for such a highly collected coin.
Brenner exemplified the American story—a Lithuanian immigrant who pursued metal-making and engraving as a self-taught enterprise before studying in Paris. Theodore Roosevelt sat for a Brenner medal design and was impressed enough to select him to create the portrait for a new iteration of the cent.
In the years since they were first struck, V.D.B. cents have passed through many generations of collectors and one even made a trip to Mars.
The recent news about the future of the penny will certainly bring more attention to the 1909 V.D.B. Here is an excellent opportunity to grab a high-grade specimen at the peak of its interest. To view the entire February Collectors Choice Online Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to an upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction, call 8009-458-4646 or email [email protected].
