What Does VDB Mean on a Lincoln Penny?

The initials “VDB” on Lincoln pennies refer to the coin’s original designer, Victor David Brenner. This marking links to the creation of one of the United States’ most enduring circulating coins. Understanding what “VDB” represents offers insight into the Lincoln Cent’s early years. The presence or absence of these initials signifies distinct periods in the coin’s design and production.

Victor David Brenner and His Design

Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian immigrant, became a prominent sculptor and medalist in the United States. He studied at Cooper Union in New York and Académie Julian in Paris, honing his skills in medal and coin artistry. Brenner’s talent caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt.

President Roosevelt commissioned Brenner to design a new one-cent coin in 1909, commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary. This marked a significant departure from previous U.S. coinage, as it was the first time an actual person, not an allegorical figure, appeared on a circulating American coin. The design replaced the long-standing Indian Head cent.

Brenner’s design for the Lincoln Cent featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, adapted from an earlier plaque. For the reverse, he designed two wheat stalks, symbolizing national prosperity, enclosing the coin’s denomination and country name. Brenner initially placed his initials, “VDB,” prominently on the reverse, at the bottom between these wheat stalks.

The VDB Controversy and Its Resolution

The prominent placement of Brenner’s “VDB” initials on the 1909 Lincoln Cent immediately sparked public and U.S. Mint controversy. Many viewed their visibility as self-promotion on national currency, leading to widespread complaints. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh, who approved the design, expressed displeasure upon realizing the initials’ conspicuousness.

Within days of the coin’s release on August 2, 1909, the U.S. Mint swiftly decided to address the controversy. Production of the Lincoln Cent halted on August 6, 1909, and orders were issued to remove the initials from the dies. This rapid response meant only a limited number of initial 1909 Lincoln Cents bore the “VDB” mark.

This decision created different varieties of the 1909 Lincoln Cent, some with VDB initials and some without. The Philadelphia Mint produced nearly 28 million of the original VDB pennies, while the San Francisco Mint struck only 484,000, making the 1909-S VDB a distinct issue. For almost a decade following this controversy, Brenner’s initials were absent from the Lincoln Cent.

The initials were reinstated on the Lincoln Cent in 1918, placed in a much less noticeable location. The “VDB” initials moved to the obverse, positioned discreetly below Lincoln’s shoulder at the truncation of his bust. This compromise allowed Brenner credit for his design while addressing earlier concerns about prominence.

Locating and Identifying VDB Pennies

Identifying “VDB” initials on Lincoln Pennies depends on the coin’s mintage year. For early 1909 issues, the initials “VDB” are found on the coin’s reverse. They are located at the very bottom, positioned centrally between the two wheat stalks that characterize the “Wheat Cent” design.

For Lincoln Pennies minted from 1918 onwards, including modern issues, the “VDB” initials are on the obverse. You will find them in a small, discreet placement on Abraham Lincoln’s bust, specifically below his shoulder. This position is far less conspicuous than their original placement on the reverse.

Not all Lincoln Pennies bear the “VDB” initials. Coins minted between mid-1909 and 1917 do not feature these marks, due to their removal after the initial controversy and before reinstatement. The presence or absence of these initials, particularly on 1909 Lincoln Cents, helps distinguish different coin varieties.