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No VDB

NscjohnsonNscjohnson Posts: 103 ✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Hi,

I have a 1980D and a 1981 penny. Neither of them have the VDB. I have a hard time seeing the VDB even under my USB microscope on most pennies. But on these two, the initials are truly not there, not even a hint. It's weird because these two stood out in a bankroll of pennies because they were shiny and pretty in an otherwise dull looking batch. It surprised me to find that they were the only two with no VDB.

I have read that a lot of 1989 pennies are missing this, but I have seen nothing about 1980D or 1981. Has anyone run into this before? Thanks

Comments

  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,883 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Without seeing a good clear close-up of that area,
    I'd guess that it's probably due to polished dies in
    the shoulder area.

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Only shadows with the posted pics.

  • NscjohnsonNscjohnson Posts: 103 ✭✭

    @FredWeinberg said:
    Without seeing a good clear close-up of that area,
    I'd guess that it's probably due to polished dies in
    the shoulder area.

    Do these help?

  • NscjohnsonNscjohnson Posts: 103 ✭✭

    @Hemispherical said:
    Only shadows with the posted pics.

    Sorry! I just now posted close-ups of each one.

  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I can see "remnants" of the initials.

  • NscjohnsonNscjohnson Posts: 103 ✭✭

    @mannie gray said:
    I can see "remnants" of the initials.

    On Both? I wonder why I can't see them. Thanks!

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Yes... on close examination, there does appear to be faint outlines of the initials...Cheers, RickO

  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,883 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Remnants - die polishing is the cause

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,484 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The VDB is shallow and die polishing and die wear will eventually cause it to disappear. It's not an error and adds no value to the coin.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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