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1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Variety
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 27,995,000 Combined mintage for all 1909 VDB varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-427

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About this coinHistory

The 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse shows visible doubling in the date and other obverse elements, created when the working die received two slightly offset impressions from the hub during preparation. The doubling is strongest in the date digits and the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST. On well-preserved coins, the doubled images are visible under magnification as shadow outlines alongside the correctly positioned elements.

Doubled die varieties occur when the hub (a master die used to create working dies) and the working die are not perfectly aligned during the multiple impressions needed to transfer the design. Even a slight shift between impressions creates doubled images on every coin struck from that working die. The 1909 VDB DDO is one of the earlier recognized doubled dies in the Lincoln cent series, though less dramatic than the famous 1955 DDO that would come decades later.

The variety carries a premium over the standard 1909 VDB. Identification requires examining the date and inscriptions under magnification for the characteristic doubled outlines. Certification services attribute the variety, and the DDO designation on the holder distinguishes it from the standard VDB in the marketplace.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
27,995,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1909 VDB varieties).
What is a 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.