1909-S VDB 1C, RD MS(PCGS#2428)

November 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

6002

等级

MS65RD

价格

33,048

详细说明

1909-S Lincoln Cent. V.D.B. MS-65 RD (NGC). CAC. Here is a premium full Red Gem Mint State example of this prized first year Lincoln cent issue. Handsome deep mint orange color blankets surfaces that are frosty and exceptionally smooth. Expertly produced and obviously handled with the utmost care over the years, this beautiful coin will be perfect for another advanced numismatic cabinet. The centennial of Lincoln's birth in 1909 provided an opportunity for Theodore Roosevelt to continue with his "pet crime" to revitalize the nation's coin designs. Sculptor and medalist Victor David Brenner had designed some medals for Roosevelt in 1908 and also created a bronze plaque with the profile of Lincoln. Brenner suggested to Roosevelt that the cent would be an excellent choice to commemorate Lincoln. Brenner modified the bust from his plaque for the obverse and used a pair of durum wheat stalks on the reverse surrounding the denomination. Brenner placed his initials at the very bottom on the reverse, a decision that would become controversial. Long lines formed for the new coins and they quickly proved to be a hit with the public. Almost immediately the initials on the reverse prompted questions and within days new dies were prepared with the initials removed. While the Philadelphia Mint had already produced nearly 28 million coins, the San Francisco facility had only struck 484,000 examples before the initials were removed. Instantly the San Francisco Mint coins were recognized as rarities. Most managed to escape heavy circulation and thus exist in overall high grades, including Mint State. Despite this, many Uncirculated coins were mishandled or stored improperly, thus there are three times as many in the Brown category as there are in Red and Brown. In grades above MS-65 RB, the 1909-S V.D.B. becomes conditionally challenging, making full Red Gems such as this especially desired by numismatists seeking the highest quality. Provenance: From the Larry H. Miller Collection. PCGS# 2428. NGC ID: 22B2. Click here for certification details from NGC.