The mint mark looks funny but I'm no expert with that type of thing.... Other than that the grade would be AU50 IMHO! Speedy
First , I hope it's the real deal. I can't tell about the mint marks. I know there are several different versions. Assuming it's okay I think it's cleaned , AU details .. Net XF45.
Personally I think it is a fake. The S is too fat at the top and it is very bulbous. It also seems a bit more rectangular than square. Do you have the coin in hand ? If so can you see a die chip in the area that I have an arrow pointed at in your picture ?
Jim, I am no expert on cents, but I did consult the PCGS Counterfeit Detetcion Guide (pages 307-308). Here is what I gather from it: The mint mark here is questionable. If you have access to the PCGS book, consult with it to see pictures of genuine mint marks. The "S" appears too thick on the top and too pointed in the bottom, IMO. Also, it is very hard to tell from the photo, but can you see a die gouge from the rim just above the RU and a die chip in the B in LIBERTY? I can't see these from your photos, but if they are there, that would be indicative of a genuine coin. There also should be a die gouge extending from the left wheat stalk, which I think I might be able to see. This would also be normal for a genuine issue. I don't know if this is possible, but sending it in for slabbing would be a great test...you would find out for sure. Again, I am no expert, and I'd hate to tell you this wasn't genuine when it really was...it certainly seems questionable though. Hope this helps. Jim
Jim, I am looking at a picture of a 1909-s vdb in Charles Daughtrey book looking through linclon cents. The picture is of a fake 1909-s vdb with a glued-on mintmark yours does not look like that one. So it might be the real thing not sure, coin is xf45 in my opinion. Maybe Mike Diamond will see this thread he will be the best to tell for sure.
Ok, here is the scoop on this coin. I have had it for a long time. 20+ Years. I wanted to prove a point to somebody I know about this Forum. This 09SVDB is a fake. The S has been added somewhere down the road. Did I know that when I purchased it? NOPE. Did I trust the dealer who has long since passed away, YEP. I wanted to show a local dealer here that this site is "The best coin information site on the internet" and how accurate and professional the members are. Hey I took it to a few local dealers recently and all made an offers to buy. I had sent this in to ANACS and it came back body bagged as expected. Hats off to all of you, you truly are professionals in my eyes.
Well Jim---I'm glad that we could help out and I hope that your dealer friend will join us in being "the best coin information site on the internet"! Speedy
