Rare Cent Appraisal

1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent

This is a 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent, marking the inaugural year of the Lincoln cent series designed by Victor David Brenner. The coin is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, measuring approximately 19mm in diameter. The obverse features the iconic right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln with the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" along the upper rim, "LIBERTY" to the left, and the date "1909" to the right. This specimen exhibits a distinct orange-brown copper patina consistent with an original surfaces coin that has avoided hash cleaning. Notable condition details include light circulation wear on the high points of Lincoln's cheek and hair, and a visible dark carbon spot or blemish located on the field just behind Lincoln's shoulder near the date. The absence of a mint mark below the date indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While the reverse is not visible to confirm the presence of the designer's initials 'V.D.B.', the early strike quality is evident in the sharpness of the lettering. The coin retains a significant amount of its original luster in the protected areas of the devices, suggesting a grade in the Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated range, though the aforementioned spotting and surface micro-scratches from general handling are apparent.