1909 S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent - Nice, Real And Cleaned

Other than the 2 tiny hits, the reverse is drop dead gorgeous . It seems like a little wear on obverse cleaned ? yes it was ,But I have a feeling your right about the retoneing . Color? kind of a pastel color . I kind of know where your at with this coin and if it weren't for being a S-VDB , this coin would not be worth talking about .

It's an AU coin judging by the wear on Lincoln's lapel, beard, cheek bone, ear. So most likely cleaned as well.

I'm in a different camp. I don't think the coin was cleaned or if it was there is no signs of it or very lightly. I do think its AT and what we are seeing is that the AT across the head and jacket have been rubbed off either by handling or something else

I think the coin is MS possible 63 or even 64 as the reverse shows absolutely no signs of circulation. its very rare to see a coin that shows circulation on one side and not the other. imo it would see a details designation for surface/color alteration

looks like obverse die#4

AU-58 Details, cleaned/artificial toning

Here's a 1924-D I owned that had been whizzed, very similar appearance.

Sometimes, the whizzing is done with some skill in a radial way,
to simulate a sort of radial mint luster.
Can also depend on the coarseness (or fineness) of the whizzing brush.

I agree that the '09 S VDB should be slabbed,
but it must be understood that it will come back with a 'details',
or perhaps not be graded at all, because it has been whizzed.

nice closeups. it really looks like a whizzed coin which is shame. I also think after it was whizzed they attempted to cover it up by recoloring. double whammy. UNC details.

Beautiful upgrade!!