I think this 1909 VDB I bought is a Proof!

No worries. I can be anal about those kinds of things.

FWIW, Mr. Wagner is about as close to an authority on these as you're going to be able to find, IMO, and a great dealer to work with if getting good FECs, IHCs, or MPLs is your goal.

That said, I still found his comments curious given the evidence posted in the thread ATS. Let's see what he says.

 

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My .02...
It is a very nice strike, and therefore a gorgeous coin.
However, I don't see a proof when I look hard.

The biggest thing for me is the corner of the mouth.
The proof looks like Abe is grinning, and the end of the mouth has clear dimples.
On your coin, the dimples mush in with the mouth, making it look like Abe is frowning.
That alone seals it for me.

 

Oh...
Good luck!
I'd be thrilled if you proved me wrong!
(and a bit jealous!)