Guys, it happened again... 1909-S VDB!!

[jacer333]

What are the insane chances of this? I found another 1909-S VDB tonight! Now I am curbing the enthusiasm as I am more skeptical about the authenticity of this one. It was incredible to find one, let alone two. If this one happens to be the real deal, well then I don't even know what to say!

Please take a look at the pictures and let me know your opinion on this guy!

photo-20.jpg (185.75 KiB) Viewed 983 times

photo-19.jpg (141.2 KiB) Viewed 983 times

[Coinage]

Well all I have to say is if it's legit that's one great looking penny. What are the odds of finding two? I really wish I had such luck. I am quite jealous and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Congrats.

-John

[68Camaro]

Wow, I don't follow numi's, but that's a good looking penny period, no matter that it's a 1909-S VBD. Is there an issue with and suspicion of counterfeiting?

[Market Harmony]

Sorry brother, it's not real... mint mark is wrong, "B" in VDB is wrong.

That is still a heart thumper... What a crazy day! Thanks for sharing

[BlackOut]

I don't know anything about numismatics, but the "B" jumped out ate even before MH said anything about it. It just looks out of place and oddly shaped.

Regardless of what the outcome is on this one, at least you still have one which is more than most of us will find. It would be a real downer if this was your first, but knowing you already have one, I don't feel bad for you j/k. I hope it turns out to be real by some odd chance.

[brian0918]

Agree with MH, besides the B in V.D.B. looking weird, the mint mark doesn't look like any of these:

[slvrbck]

Agree. No expert but something doesn't look quite right. If I'm not mistaken that is a highly faked coin

[henrysmedford]

The counterfeit one we have is zinc http://www.realcent.org/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8693&hilit=zinc what is the weight on this one.

[Rodebaugh]

Yep....Its a copy.

Look at how "chubby" the fonts are.

ie...the "M" in UNUM

[beauanderos]

the B looks more like an 8... well, now that we have pointed out all the mistakes, the Chinese can perfect their fakes

[marine70]

I was excited when I found mine, especially when I turned it the next day for a profit of $499.99 it just makes you to want to search more.

[NDFarmer]

I was excited when I found mine, especially when I turned it the next day for a profit of $499.99 it just makes you to want to search more.

You only got $500.00 for an 09-S VDB???

Must have been in pretty rough shape.

[uthminsta]

You only got $500.00 for an 09-S VDB???

Yeah, it was the "VD8" variety. JK

[jacer333]

Thanks for checking into it guys, I was afraid the disappointing news was coming on this one. What really had me skeptical to start with was checking this thread on cointalk:

http://www.cointalk.com/t78043/

Looking at post #5, the several details pointed out on the reverse seemed to show up on this coin too.

Finding this one in such nice shape was also a red flag. I did keep a glimmer of hope because it does indeed weigh in at 3.1 grams like a legit copper penny would. Oh well, like Blackout said, no need to weep for me! I am still an incredibly lucky guy to find the authentic one that I did several months ago, and will enjoy holding onto this one too just for comparison's sake and to spice up the collection with a talking piece next to it.

Even though this fake isn't desired, it has to be fairly rare in its own right. Does anyone know if there is any kind of market for a fake like this? Obviously collectors looking for a legit one wouldn't be interested, but I would think many dealers and serious collectors would like to have one of these on hand.

[henrysmedford]

If you were to sell it it would have to be a "don't ask don't tell" sale as it is a counterfeit coin. One was listed on this site for $10 but he was asked to take it off as it was a counterfeit coin.

[Coinage]

I would use it has a hole filler in your album. Have the legit one slabbed.

[jacer333]

Thanks for the info henry. I don't think I want to get into any legalities and stir up trouble pushing a fake around, and since I only invested $0.01 in it, I have no problem keeping it. It adds a little "character" to my wheat collection sitting on the side. If I had shelled out several hundred for it and then found out I was duped, I may have been more motivated to cut my losses and resell it, but thankfully that isn't the case here.

[penny pretty]

where did ya find it? roll, bag? I figure even a counterfeit wouldnt be put into circulation.

[Engineer]

Put it back in circulation and wait for the next sucker to find it?
Counter stamp it first, so you can enjoy the moment "knowing" that it's your coin?
Take a road trip and let it loose in Portland so you'll be able to claim the honor of trolling Adam Youngs?

[Sheba]

I can only imagine how you feel ... to have the 'possibility' of finding another S-VDB only to learn from experts and other websites that it is more than likely a counterfeit. Wow! Sorry about that! But, I think I would keep it as an example of what these look like. It is frustrating to know that there are those out there doing this sort of thing and trying to profit from a totally criminal and heartless occupation.

I once, years ago, got hold what I thought was a nice 1922 plain cent. It cost me about a dollar at that time so I should have 'known' something was wrong (Didn't come from an LCS but from a private party). I still have it somewhere but it is of no value other than the copper in it

Live and learn ... best regards on your penny hunting. I find a few wheat cents, but nothing earth shaking. But still wondering if there might be a 'lonely' 1914 D floating around somewhere just waiting for 'loving hands' to collect it from roll of pennies

[RobMc45678]

Sorry to hear it was a fake, but could you please share where you found it. Thanks.

[jacer333]

I have now claimed both an authentic and counterfeit 1909-S VDB from Loomis rolled boxes out of Omaha, NE.