1909 VDB Lincoln Penny

This is a key U.S. coin because it was the first Lincoln Penny, it is the rarely-seen variety with the designer’s “VDB” initials on the reverse, and it was the first circulating coin to feature a real person.

The Lincoln Penny was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

The obverse features a portrait of Lincoln by sculptor Victor D. Brenner. The reverse is the legendary “Wheat Ears” design that honors America’s agricultural heritage.

This was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of Liberty.

The first coins in 1909 feature Brenner’s bold “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse.  Only the first few coins in 1909 from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints have the initials.  The initials were quickly removed, so only a small number of 1909 “VDB” Lincoln Pennies were minted, and all coins were made early in the year.  

The Lincoln Penny is now over 100 years old, but no other coins were ever made with the “VDB” initials in this position.