I picked up a box of cents at my credit union a couple of days ago and saw this old Wheat Cent. It is pretty worn, and it is hard to see the complete date. Initially, I thought is was a 1919-P when I saw it without a magnifier, but upon further inspection, I saw an S mint mark. Depending on the angle that I view it at, the third digit looks to me like either a 0, a void, or a small 8 (obviously not the case). Even the S seems to disappear when the viewing angle is changed. Any opinions on what the true date is? It seems too good to be true that I came across a 1909-S. I see no evidence of a V.D.B. though. Validation will justify my obsession with my better half. She thinks I waste my time CRH.
Can't tell. Try shining a flashlight on it from the left or right (oblique lighting to bring out vertical details).
Coat with a heavy application of vaseline and set aside for two weeks; that should make everything easier to read.
The surface is pretty gnarly, but unfortunately, it looks like it may truly be a 1919-S. It'a amazing how tilting and rotating it makes the mint mark fade away, as well as the last 2 digits. Thanks for the responses. You guys are good.
Try looking at it with less magnification. Alternate between 5x and 10x and see what you can determine. My guess is 1919-S.