1909S VDB Penny
Bill1950
Posts: 3 ✭
I have an opportunity to purchase this penny. Time is limited to purchase. I need comments to see if this penny is real or fake.
0
Bill1950
Posts: 3 ✭
Comments
Better you than me.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
No idea if it's genuine or not. There are many fakes out there.
In your shoes I'd spend only as much as I were willing to lose if it turned out to be bad.
Good luck with your decision!
Here are a couple of sites to help with authentication:
https://coinweek.com/counterfeits/counterfeit-coin-09-s-vdb/
https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/5217/Counterfeit-1909-S-VDB-Lincoln-Cents/
https://www.pcgs.com/news/counterfeit-vs-authentic-1909-s-vdb-lincoln-cents
@Bill1950 ... Welcome aboard. Better pictures of the reverse would help. Still, it is a raw coin, and widely, extensively faked. So it is a gamble. Who is selling, what is the price?? If in doubt, walk away. Cheers, RickO
For this issue, buy a graded slab
I agree with @Joe_360. For this issue, buy a graded slab.
Buy one already certified by one of the major grading services.
Although I bought mine raw over 30 years ago from a trusted dealer, I would not even consider buying a raw 1909 S VDB today.
By buying it certified, you will know it is authentic, and whether it is a problem free coin or not.
Color looks artificial so there's that. A better reverse pic might confirm my suspicion.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
Welcome to the forum!
As mentioned the color is off and would be a good indication the coin has been cleaned.
I also agree you would be better off with a TPG certified example.
It appears to match the mint mark position #2 and has the proper Type 1 reverse.
My guess is that it is genuine.
Looks like a genuine 1909-S V.D.B. to me. Check out this picture of a genuine Die# 2.
Everything matches, plus the coin has a nice "woodgrain" effect to it due to improper mixing.
Pete
In this condition what would you say a grade like that is?
You should pass on it. That coin is a die-struck counterfeit.
IF it were authentic, it would likely grade AU58 or 55, which would make it about a $1600-$1700 coin.
However, as many stated above, there is a very high likelihood of it being counterfeit. The only way I'd buy it is if the seller were very reputable, AND would give a written money back guarantee if it turns out to be a fake.
Dwayne F. Sessom
Ebay ID: V-Nickel-Coins
“Limited time to buy” says it all. What is the hurry? Pressuring purchase would be a big red flag for me.
This is coin you buy certified. I don’t care for raised lines of metal in front of Lincoln’s mouth in the first photo.
It is genuine imo, the mm position is something nearly all counterfeits have trouble with. Also the woodie look is something I have never seen on a fake before.
May have been cleaned at some point but I believe it is genuine.
I couldn't have said it better than @BuffaloIronTail 👍
."It's a dangerous business... going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to" -JRR Tolkien_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Outstanding BST transactions as a seller, buyer and trader with: ----- mustanggt, Kliao, claudewill87, MWallace, paesan, mpbuck82, moursund, basetsb, lordmarcovan, JWP, Coin hunter 4, COINS MAKE CENTS, PerryHall, Aspie_Rocco, Braddick, DBSTrader2, SanctionII, Histman, The_Dinosaur_Man, jesbroken, CentSearcher ------ANA Member #3214817
This was said by one of America's early experts on detecting counterfeit coins. Said before third party grading companies were even invented:
"A detailed, in-hand inspection should be done on every 1909-S VDB penny offered for purchase by the collector"--Bert Harsche
First S VDB? Buy a PCGS slabbed one. Pass on this one.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
You should pass on it. That coin is a die-struck counterfeit.
Looks "off" to me as well. Too many good looking fakes around to be risking the money it takes these days to buy an S VDB. One can't go wrong with an S VDB certified by PCGS.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
And make sure the durn slab your holy grail is in isn't a counterfeit either. PCGS Gold Shield service is the only way to go, in my opinion.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
I agree, dangerous to get unslabbed coins of this date and mm.
I took a chance on this one about 8 years ago - authentic?
Well, just Love coins, period.
You should pass on it. That coin is a die-struck counterfeit. > @7Jaguars said:
Looks real to me!
What indicators lead you to believe it is counterfeit? At first blush the coin appears genuine to me, but dipped pink,
Having scrutinized the images provided I agree OP has a genuine #2 that's been cleaned and recolored.
@7Jaguars your piece looks genuine and original
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
I see no die chip in upper half of S. I say it's a struck fake.
bob
I have never seen a wood grain fake before, I think the coin is real but might be an added mint mark. And from the photos I too think it could have been dipped, however that may just be the photos.
As others have said anyone that is pressuring you to buy has a reason, that reason may not work out well for you. Buying an already slabbed coin is the smart move with this key date.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I'd pass.
That's the first thing I thought, also, Bob. But then the photo is not clear enough to be sure. It could be there, just not as prevalent as I'm used to seeing. Then, I probably have only held in hand a dozen at most. As already mentioned, I have never even heard of a woodgrained fake, that would be tough to fake, but possible I would imagine. I enlarged the photo as far as I could to get this.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Not a coin to buy raw.
I think it's there but the pic is just too softly focused to see it well. Everything else looks right imo
RIP Mom- 1932-2012