1909-S VDB (Lwc) Real Or Fake?

with your statements and I believe this one is good.
The mintmark would have concerned me, as the inside of the s curls are not as hollow as the mm usually is, but considering the wear on this coin, I would not be concerned.

A little bit worn but genuine. Agree with your assesment.
Nice close up photos, shows all the detail.

to the CCF!

Depends on what you plan on doing with it.
If you want to sell it retail, and I think it would fetch ~$600, yes.
To a dealer, not necessarily.
And if you want to keep it, matter of preference.

In the 3rd picture there appears to be lightening of the patina inside and directly around the devices, almost like a halo. Is that typical?

I'm a VDB noob (out of my current budget) and just asking questions and trying to learn here.

Getting it graded will put to rest any questions you still have about authenticity. The cost grading it now may be cheaper than later. The for sure thing is that grading it is a win-win.

Looks like a genuine example. I would have this graded by PCGS or NGC, as it is a high value coin. It would clean any doubts as to authenticity, assign a grade to the coin, and also protect the coin from damage.

to the CCF.

With limited expertise on this coin - I concur with the prior opinions of genuine and VG10/F12 grade.

It's a lovely original surfaces key date ... a coin treasured by many collectors and you should be proud to have it.

To the question of 'grading' ... you already have the two answers that any TPG could provide;

1. Is it authentic - answer 'yes'
2. What is the grade - answer VG10/F12

The CCF experts have provided those grading opinions at no cost ...

If there are reasons why you believe Dad's coin from the 1930's deserves encapsulation with a formal TPG opinion then by all means proceed ...

The best reason is eventual re-sell of the coin ... none of us live forever and this is a very difficult coin to sell raw due to the plethora of counterfeit example out there.

Lovely coin - congratulations