2079

1909 VDB 1c NGC PF64 RB [L#2079

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
1909 VDB 1c NGC PF64 RB [L#2079
A choice burnt magenta-red color with rich hues and decidedly smooth finish. The early Lincoln cents are called “matte proofs” but the effect was achieved through blasting the surface of the struck coin with a jet of fine sand particles; hence, their earlier designation as sandblast Proofs. The amount of pressure used, and the length of time required to impart the pebbly effect caused the minor variance in texture and quality from year to year (and, indeed, within any one year). 1909 VDB is the most difficult early date to obtain, since a mere 1,194 pieces were sold.

As made, this issue typically bore deep, matte surfaces, an attribute which found little favor with collectors of the time. Like all genuine proofs of this issue, there are several features of a general nature common to this and the other dates. In addition to their extraordinary sharpness of strike and complete filling of the dies, proofs are distinguished by their unusually broad borders, thick edges showing no beveling at the rims, and sharply raised and squared-off inner borders. Its status as a one-year type, combined with its indisputable rarity have made proofs of this Type highly sought and quite expensive with respect to other proof cents of 1909 through 1916.