I am going to resurrect this discussion. I have a theory that I would like to see if it could be feasible. If Flynn or Wagner are members I would be especially interested to hear their opinion on this theory. Lets first examine the 1909 V.D.B Matte Proof. Could the mint have produced produced the V.D.B Matte Proof and then near the end of the run switch to the die #2 found on the 1909 Matte Proof. Knowing that there are so few 1909 V.D.B's in existence, the first ones produced using Die 1 and Die 1 would make sense. They would have most likely then destroyed the remaining 800 or so they produced since they were going to remove the V.D.B. But what if near the end of the 1909 V.D.B's that were produced they introduced a new reverse die (die #2). And, could they have only struck a few from that die #2 and retired it since they were then switching to the 1909 Matte Proof without the V.D.B. The reason I ask this is I have found a 1909 V.D.B with all the diagnostics of the one known die for the obverse but paired with all the diagnostics of the 1909 Matte Proof Reverse Die #2. Is it feasible that the 1909 Matte proof reverse die #1 was getting worn, demand was still high, and since the Die #2 had only been used a few times to produce the 1909 V.D.B near the tail end of that run was still in great condition. What if they then removed the V.D.B from the die #2 and used it to produce the last few hundred 1909 Matte Proofs. If they did, it would make sense that there may be a few 1909 V.D.B Matte Proofs with the 1 known obverse die and the Die #2 used in the 1909 Matte Proofs but with the V.D.B still on it before it was removed. And it would make sense that the Die #2 is so rare on the 1909 because it was used somewhat out of desperation due to demand to keep up and thus just used on a few hundred near the end of the 1909 Matte Proof run and the V.D.B had been scratched off.
Here are the reverse diagnostics of Die #2 along with an example of a 1909 Matte Proof attributed by PCGS.
Reverse: ◦Die scratch from M of UNUM left into the field above E of ONE.
◦Horizontal die scratch in field to the right of the C of CENT.
◦Die scratch from the center of E to the N of CENT.
◦Die scratch through the middle of UN of UNITED.
◦Small over large TE of UNITED.
◦Die scratch through the lower TAT of STATES.
◦Die chip next to the rim at 3 o'clock.
Now here are close ups of my 1909 V.D.B with Sharp edges and the diagnostics of the 1909 V.D.B Matte Proof Obverse and the 1909 Matte Proof reverse Die #2.
Pictures showing the Scratch from M of Unum to right above E
Die Scratch to right of C in Cent.
Die scratch through the middle of UN of UNITED.
Die scratch through the lower TAT of STATES.
Obverse
Scrtach from coat to beneth R and T
Scratches in front of Nose
And Full Obverse and Reverse and Rims
Posted 03/01/2014 12:25 am
