1909 S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent #1

your first reverse photo is not showing the VDB so I'm not sure if you posted the correct photos of your 09S and 09Svdb so I don't know which obv goes with which reverse. please recheck and correct if needed. i'll hold grade assessment until then

Counterfeit vs. Authentic 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cents
By Jaime Hernandez - February 2, 2010

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln has always been the key date coin in the entire Lincoln Cent series, and it remains one of the most popular coins in numismatics.

Since the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent has always been highly desired among collectors, it is notorious for attracting counterfeiters. There are many fake 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents out there in the market and at PCGS, we have seen many different types of fakes.

When examining the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents, some of the diagnostics PCGS graders look for are in the area of the "S" mint mark. First of all, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents were struck with four different obverse dies. The four known dies have four different mint mark positions and to the untrained eye, they can look very similar.

Mint Mark # 1 has the highest "S" mint mark out of all four mint marks. Notice that the top of the "S" is above both the legs of the 9 digits from the date.
Mint Mark # 2 has the top of the "S" mint mark flush to the bottom of the 9 digits on the date.
Mint Mark # 3 also has the top of the "S" mint mark flush with both the bottom of the 9 digits on the date. However, the left side of the "S" mint mark is not flush vertically with the right of the first 9 in the date. Instead, it is vertically aligned closer to the center of the space between the first 9 and the 0 in the date.
Mint Mark # 4 has the lowest mint mark position of all. The top of the "S" mint mark does not even come close to touching the bottom of the 9 digits.
Genuine Mint Marks will also display parallel serifs. If you look at mint mark below labeled "Parallel Mint Mark" the two serifs point in the same direction vertically, in a parallel position.
Genuine 1909-S VDB cents will have the VDB initials slightly slanted, specifically on the central crossbar of the letter "B."
Genuine Mint Marks will also display parallel serifs. If you look at mint mark below labeled "Parallel Mint Mark" the two serifs point in the same direction vertically,

Although the mint mark position seems correct (position #4), the VDB doesn't look right to me, I'll wait for others to chime in.



Left: Added "V.D.B.", Right: Genuine "V.D.B."

I should not that these are the same coins obvious and reverse under different light conditions

I appreciate everyone taking the Tim to look and comment. Thanks

Nice circulated genuine 09-S VDB. Because it is the S-VDB I think it will straight grade even with the nicks on the obverse - but what do I know?

I don't grade, but I do give this free opinion.

100% Genuine.

Once again, the damage is OLD and it toned over. I'm on the fence for details because of the depth of the obverse damage. My gut tells me it would slab as long as those hits don't kill the look in hand. I'm better they're not that bad in person - but they are there.

VF-20

You need to consider better storage methods for your key/semi-key coins. I see a spot of verdigris on the reverse at 11-K that must be addressed....especially prior to grading submission or as part of the submission. It is likely the coins have not been stored under ideal conditions.