Which 1909-S Coin Would You Buy?

The Wheat cent would most likely be the better investment in my opinion. Gold is gold and it is treated and valued only as that. The Wheat cent is always easily recognized, highly popular, easily sold, and will most likely always increase in value.

I collect almost anything, but do not attempt to complete a series. The 1909-S Indian eagle combines features I like, such as bullion metal content, branch mint, and good design. They are readily available, but so are 1909-SVDB cents.

I will buy stoppers in almost any series where I see value, in preference to collecting the commons. For instance, the 1846 and 1863 Half Dimes. I will never complete this series, but I would buy duplicates of those if I had a chance.

The eagle to me...

The 1909 S VDB would appreciate more (unfortunately) unless the price of gold rises substantially, but I would rather own the 1909 S Eagle. It all depends on why you are contemplating this purchase.

I wanted to see everyone's point. My inclination is for the gold, but the 1909-SVDB is the icon of Lincoln cents. 50 years ago it would have been my objective when I was filling a Whitman book. Somewhere along the line I lost this book, which my grandpa had partially filled over 40 years with coins he'd found in circulation. Maybe it was stolen, maybe it was misplaced during a move, but I lost interest in doing it again. Thanks to this I can see the point of owning a 1909SVDB again. It's back on the list...though the 1922 no D fills me with dread...

I wouldn't even consider this as part of a complete Lincoln set.

Myself, I would go for the gold but I know the svdb would be the better investment. The svdb population may be 3.5 times greater than the gold but I'll bet the collector population is skewed heavily towards the Lincoln.

@IGE, I picked up a raw, natural wear, high VF 1912S eagle yesterday for $100 over melt at the LCS. That triggered the SVDB comparison, and the similar mintage 1909S made it apples to apples.

I'd really like to complete the No Motto eagle short set of 3 coins. I still need a 1908D. Some day.

Cent. Not much of a gold fan (as it's way out of my price range being 17) yet, even those IHE's are beautiful. Reverse looks funky, almost cloudy a bit like a potential old cleaning, and considering the seller is a PNG person, they may have certain benefits.