1909 VDB 1C, RB PR62RB Certification #81699159, PCGS #3301

Jaime Hernandez

The 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent is by far the scarcest of all the Matte Proof Lincoln cents produced from 1909 to 1916, and including for all non error proof Lincoln cents produced from 1909 to date.

Surprisingly, the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent is not the lowest mintage coin in the Lincoln Matte Proof series as believed for many years. Instead, the 1916 is actually the lowest mintage coin in the Matte Proof Lincoln cent series, followed by the 1915 Matte Proof and then the 1909 V.D.B. Proof, which is the third lowest mintage in the series.

Throughout the years, many 1909 V.D.B. business strike cents have been presented or described as Matte Proof coins. However, an authentic 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent will display great details and square sharp edged rims. Genuine examples will also have a die marker touching the back of Lincoln's coat and right underneath the R and T of Liberty. Authentic examples will also display several die scratches in front of Lincoln’s nose.

It's a mystery as to why there are less than 200 examples in existence of the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln cents, when coins such as the 1916 with the lowest mintage exist in higher numbers. In 1909, or the year in which the Lincoln cents was originally introduced, there was great demand for 1909 V.D.B. cents. Perhaps, the Mint gave some of them out as business strike coins to meet the demand or even worst, maybe the Mint destroyed any examples that they couldn't sell.

Whatever the case is, the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof Lincoln Cent has always been the most desired coin in the Matte Proof Lincoln cent series.