Could VDB appear on later cents?
Is it possible for there to be a VDB cent between 1910 and 1917? There is controversy whether working die 1909-VDB cents were reused following the initials VDB having been…
Is it possible for there to be a VDB cent between 1910 and 1917?
There is controversy whether working die 1909-VDB cents were reused following the initials VDB having been ground off the dies. If this is true, there could be VDB reverse cents of any of several years beyond 1909. There are several 1910 cents on which it has been suggested the initials appear. The initials were resumed on the obverse rather than the reverse in 1918.
Is it possible for a Denver Mint Lincoln cent of 1910 or later to have been struck using a VDB reverse die on which the initials were partially removed?
I am aware of a single 1916-D cent on which it is possible the remnants of the “V” might appear, but the coin has never been submitted for certification. Considering there are numerous 1900-O/CC Morgan dollars, it is entirely possible a coinage die initially meant for use at one minting facility might have been used later at another facility.
Why were Victor D. Brenner’s initials removed from the cent during 1909?
It has been argued Brenner was paid for his work and for that reason shouldn’t receive further recognition. It was also argued the initials were too prominent. Both arguments are absurd considering that Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ initials appear prominently on the gold $20 double eagle coins beginning in 1907 uninterrupted through the end of the series in 1933. Charles E. Barber’s initials appeared on his coin designs of 1892 to 1916 as well. It all boils down to public officials at the time making decisions based on public outcry.
What was the public’s reaction to Lincoln appearing on a circulating coin in 1909? Until that time, personifications of Liberty were the only images used except on commemoratives.
In general, it appears the public liked the new coin. However, there was criticism saying the wheat stalks on the reverse did not resemble real wheat stalks. There was also some talk, likely rumors, that Southerners resented Lincoln appearing on the cent, while black Americas were rumored to be hoarding the coins as souvenirs.
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