Difference between 1909 Lincoln and 1909 VDB

In 1909, when then [sic] coin was first released, Brenner had placed his initials on the bottom of the reverse side. Congress was very unhappy because the initials were too dominate [sic]. They ordered the initials removed from the coins in the later part of 1909.

Minor corrections to the above quote:

1) Brenner originally had “Brenner” on the reverse of the cent models. This was removed and replaced with “V.D.B.” by engraver Charles Barber on orders from Director Leach.
2) Congress had nothing to do with the design or removal of the initials. That decision was made by Treasury Secretary MacVeagh after press reports called the initials “advertising.”
3) The changeover was done in August, 1909.

 

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Many people do in fact feel congress did have a hand in the removal of the VDB.

Frank Leach was the director of the US mint until Aug 1909. He was there for the design of the VDB however he was gone when the controversy about the VDB began. The acting mint director of the US mint in the beginning of August was Abram Piatt Andrew. The senate had not confirmed a new mint director yet.

Treasury Secretary MacVeaghs correspondence to eliminate the VDB on the Cent was sent to the acting mint director Abram Piatt Andrew on August 5th 1909. On the same day (August 5th 1909) the Senate provided confirmation of acting mint director Abram Piatt Andrew as the New mint director effective November 1909.

Many people feel this was not a coincidence.

 

Many people do in fact feel congress did have a hand in the removal of the VDB.

Frank Leach was the director of the US mint until Aug 1909. He was there for the design of the VDB however he was gone when the controversy about the VDB began. The acting mint director of the US mint in the beginning of August was Abram Piatt Andrew. The senate had not confirmed a new mint director yet.

Treasury Secretary MacVeaghs [sic] correspondence to eliminate the VDB on the Cent was sent to the acting mint director Abram Piatt Andrew on August 5th 1909. On the same day (August 5th 1909) the Senate provided confirmation of acting mint director Abram Piatt Andrew as the New mint director effective November 1909.

Many people feel this was not a coincidence.

What these so-called “many people” feel is self-deceiving, idle speculation with no basis in fact. To correct a few more errors in your comments:
1) Frank Leach left the director’s position in early July. He was back in Oakland, California by August.
2) Piatt Andrew did not have any role in the initials and did not actually assume office until months later. No correspondence of any kind includes Andrew until well after events had concluded.
3) There is nothing in Congressional records about removing initials prior to the newspaper inquiries.

If you care to read the truth and see the original letters, find a copy of “Renaissance of American Coinage 1909-1915.” It is all spelled out there in detail, and with complete source citations so you can look for yourself.

 

This is from the complete guide to Lincoln Cents by David W. Lange, one of the best Lincoln cent resources out there.

Quote- On August 5th 1909 the acting mint director A. Piatt Andrew received a message from the secretary of the Tres. that stated "Please instruct the mints to coin no more of the Lincoln pennies until further notice. Request Engraver Charles E. Barber of Philadelphia to visit washington in order to arrange with us a place to havethe initial "B" placed upon the new one cent pieces in an inconspicous manner.

 

strategy

Lehigh, did you just call my strategy "stinky" ??? LOL

 

buy a red book!

 

HarryJ.
Lange's book has not been updated for 15 years. The other book with full references and letters was published 2 years ago and supersedes prior information. Maybe updating your library should be on your next coin show "want list."

 

RWB,
Its Already on my list, Renaissance of American Coinage 1909-1915!!!! Thanks.