I recently came by this '09-s VDB that has some pretty bad scrapes and scratches on both the obverse and reverse, what I'm trying to figure out is this; how much value does this take off the coin? $50? $250? I havent been able to find anywhere online that answers this question, maybe some of you have a better idea than me... .
I think you should send it in to PCGS or NGC, have it graded, then go by coins priced at that same grade. Whether it's labelled "damaged", "scratched", or whatever. Did you find that in circulation? O_O
what makes you think its counterfeit? its exactly the right weight and diameter, I dont think it is counterfeit but if you're seeing something I'm missing I would love to know
That's damage, and coins don't grade for it. Should it be authenticated, it's the kid with all the candy, and will get respect in the market for it. But that's your issue. As aforesaid, you need it branded as genuine by a reputable TPG. Before that happens, you got one banged up cent.
Most fakes are the right weight and diameter. That doesn't mean much with modern fakes. Compare yours to mine, certified NGC EF-40. There are a significant number of red-flags on your coin - but the number one item is the overall "mushiness" of the details on your coin.
I believe your coin was made using a technique that uses a genuine coin as a host. Your VDB looks right, and the position of the S mintmark looks right. However, the whole look of your coin is wrong.
These Lincoln key date fakes are (unfortunately) all over the internet, like at AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000317140354.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.68424c4dpipNek They are "supposed" to have the word "COPY" on them (for replicas), but I know firsthand these do not. Sometimes, people will buy these, and artificially darken them/purposefully damage them. That's why I can't imagine buying a 1909sVDB or 1955 Doubled Die that was raw and not TPG graded, unless you 100% absolutely know/trust the seller. JMHO.