Monomoy
1C LINCOLN, WHEAT REVERSE (1909 V.D.B.)

Owner Comments:

1909 VDB Cent, PR66 Red Among the Finest of This Rare Issue 1909 1C VDB PR66 Red PCGS. The 1909 VDB proof has long been regarded as the undisputed key to the matte proof series. This is somewhat curious since the mintage was 1,194 proofs for the VDB and only 600 proofs for the 1916. But a quick glance at population numbers shows that less than half of the total number of VDB proofs have been certified compared to 1916 proofs. Undoubtedly, collectors were unfamiliar with the new matte finish in 1909. They were the first minor coins to be struck with the new matte finish. Undoubtedly many were spent. Seven years later more collectors were familiar with the finish and saved the coins. Survivors are rare, especially so with full red luster. Another reason for the low survival of matte proofs is common to all dates in the series -- proofs were wrapped in sulfur-laden tissue paper in the Mint. Who knew at the time this would make the coins brown? Many collectors who did set aside their minor proof sets kept the coins in the original tissue paper. It was only the coins that were removed from the paper and then carefully preserved that retained their original red color. The surfaces of this piece are truly extraordinary. Most of each side is bright, original orange-red, while the margins are cherry-red. Strike definition is nothing like a business strike, making proofs distinctively different. The rims are also high and squared off with sharp delineation between the rims and fields.