Question About VDB Initals On Lincoln Pennies

Not quite. After the VDB was removed from the reverse in 1909, it was not restored to the obverse until 1918.

I'm not sure I understand I've seen it on several different years and other years it seems like it's not there (under the shoulder) does it move?

Coinfrog for the win...

The very first Lincoln Cent of 1909 carried Brenner's initials in large, conspicuous letters at the base of the reverse. But outcry arose almost at once that this outsized "signature" was not only disproportionately large but also inappropriate simply as a matter of principle. Thus, the result is some 1909 Lincoln cents bear the V.D.B. initials, and others do not. The removal of the VDB initials created the 1909 "Plain," mintage 72 million, and the 1909-S, mintage 1.8 million. The 1909-S is also considered a key to the series in circulated grades

Under public pressure, the U.S. Mint removed the offending letters soon after the start of production - after a mere 484,000 pieces had been struck with the initials at the San Francisco Mint. The "S-VDB" has been a highly sought after rarity ever since. Philadelphia produced almost 28 million 1909 pennies with the large V.D.B. on the reverse, and the Philadelphia V.D.B. penny version is relatively common.

In 1918, the U.S. Mint restored Brenner's initials to the Lincoln Cent, but this time in a more discreet fashion, tiny initials under Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse. Its also on the 2009s and shield cents.

here is a set of initials on a 1992 S proof .

Touche!

Keep in mind they are incuse devices. (not raised devices) If they are missing, it is not because of a grease will, but polished off devices on the die. (Incuse devices on coins are raised devices on the dies)