1909 1C VDB PR66 Red NGC. CAC....

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1909 VDB Lincoln Cent, PR66 Red
Finest CAC Example We Have Seen

1909 1C VDB PR66 Red NGC. CAC. The 1909 VDB is the rarest of the matte proof Lincoln cents. The typical example is designated Red and Brown, though sometimes full Brown coins are offered. This is the norm for pieces with original surfaces. Full Red coins are major rarities in this series and represent the most difficult acquisition for proof Lincoln cent collectors. In A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents, Q. David Bowers writes:

"The mintage of the 1909 V.D.B. Matte Proof has been stated as 420 for many years. As researcher Roger W. Burdette and others have reported, figures for Proof mintage of this era, particularly for the cent, nickel, and gold coins, are subject to question. The mintage of 1,194 Matte Proofs has been suggested by Kevin Flynn. Although Mint data supports this suggestion, surviving examples, including the number seen by certification services, suggest that far fewer ever reached numismatic channels."

We have handled several full Red examples of this issue over the years, some of which appeared in our auctions on multiple occasions. However, the majority of these pieces have not earned CAC endorsement. We have previously handled only three different full Red coins with CAC endorsement, the finest of which graded PR65 Red. The present example, then, is the sole finest Red 1909 VDB cent we have ever handled with CAC endorsement.

Each side displays luminous, finely textured surfaces and sharp definition, including the broad, squared rims that many collectors look for in differentiating matte proofs from early-die-state business strikes. The reflective edge of this piece adds further assurance to its proof origins. Rich orange-gold patina characterizes the obverse, while the reverse displays slightly lighter golden-orange color. A very faint partial print is discernible in the right obverse field, while a sole tiny fleck at the bottom of the E in ONE serves as a pedigree marker. Census: 9 in 66 Red, 0 finer. CAC: 4 in 66, 2 finer (11/22).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 22KR, PCGS# 3302, Greysheet# 2472)

Weight: 3.11 grams

Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc

View Certification Details from NGC