Newsletter Title Page 1 of 6 The 1909 S VDB

Page 1 of 6
Newsletter Title
April 2015
Finds of the Month
The 1909 S VDB
The 1909 S VDB cent is probably one of the most sought-after American coins in the
numismatics. Think about it; nearly all collectors either got started collecting Lincolns or
collect Lincolns seriously sometime whilst engaged in the hobby.
The problem with this is that there were only 484,000 of these coins minted. Considering
the low mintage, the survival rate of this coin was probably fairly high due to the fact it was
a first year issue and Lincoln was quite a popular figure. When you combine a great ever
growing demand with a finite possibly shrinking supply you can deduce two things. There
will be a lot of collectors that never get their 1909 S VDB and there will be a lot of collectors
that purchase a fake 1909 S VDB. In a market where the price for even a specimen in
good is constantly rising and quickly approaching $1000, it would be far better to be in the
first column than in the second. But if you find yourself in the position to purchase a 1909 S
VDB, I 1) recommend buying a slabbed coin from a reputable TPG, and 2) know what you
are looking for diagnostically on the coin and how to tell the real thing from a fake because
even the "experts" get it wrong from time to time.
The first thing to note is to get yourself a loupe that is 20X or better just for looking at the
mint mark. Because this is the first thing to focus on. The same S mint mark was used on
the Lincoln cent from 1909 to 1917.
Note the arrow pointing to the die chip inside the upper loop of the S. ALL genuine s vdbs
will have this. There is a notch in the upper serif and the mint mark is of an even width at
top and bottom, with perfectly parallel serifs. The upper serif is even with the lower curve of
the S and the lower serif is even with the upper curve of the S.
There were four obverse dies used to create the 1909 S VDBs.
Finds of the month totals
1. 48 Ron Aldridge
2. 44 Gary Clark
3. 39 Mark Jenkins
4. 28 Rick Razor
5. 27 Mark Kulseth
6. 19 Sue Kaas
7. 17 Joe Sacco
8. 12 Phil Hoover
9. 10 Jon Gentry
10. 8 Bill Becker
Looking at the 4 images above you can see the placement of all the mint marks in relation
to the date. They all have the same stylized S mint mark as described above. I will not go
into great detail about the mint mark locations as the pictures describe it better than I
could. This is the best representation I have ever found with regard to the mint mark
placements.
Just a note: Die 4 is by and far the most common of all the dies and is the easiest to
attribute.
Welcome new
members:
Amber Carte
Tom Evenson
Martin Kuhns
Page 2 of 6
The last diagnostic to key in on is on the reverse of the coin, the V.D.B. It is not
recommended to use the periods on the reverse to determine authenticity, because of
the fact that some were struck weakly and the periods cannot be made out. Rather, the
shape of the V, the bottom half of the D and the last two bars in the B should be
considered. The V is quite distinct the left side should be uniformly thick from the top to
the angle while the right side should narrow noticeably starting thick at the top and
thinning as it reaches the angle. The angle itself should be sharp. The lower curve of the
D should angle slightly upwards on a real specimen as the middle bar of the B should
rise from left to right on a slant and the bottom curve of the B should angle slightly
upwards.
Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by bqcoins, Apr 26, 2011
Dates to
Remember
Club Hunt
May 2, 9:00 AM
Steel Lake Park
Federal Way
Regular club business
Membership dues: ($25 individual, $30 family) 2015 dues must be paid by April 30, 2015
to be eligible for May meeting contests.
Joys and Concerns: Gordon Hurt of the Spokane club passed away.
Awards: The Jug of Hope, worth $21 was won by Jon Gentry. The Silver Dollar raffle was
won by Susan Lucier. The AOK was won by Jack Davis for bringing Sharon Gentry a piece
of cake she wanted to try. The NoNo was not awarded.
Board Meeting
May 12, 7:00 PM
Dave’s Diner
Club Meeting
May 17, 5:00 PM
Highland Park
Improvement Club
Cookies by Gary Clark
and Sue Kaas
Subject of the
Month
Correspondence:
 SWATH Hunt, May 8-10, Richland
 Pilchuck MayFest Hunt, May 22-24, Stanwood Fairgrounds
 Issaquah Fun Fair, May 30, Pickering Barn
 NWTHC Hunt, June 19-21, Coeur d’Alene Fairgrounds
 PSTHC Lenny Phay Hunt, August 1, Reber Ranch, Kent
 OTHC Treasures in the Sand Hunt, September 11-12, Penticton BC
 Chelan County Fairgrounds Hunt, September 19, Cashmere
 WMDA Picnic and hunt, September 20, Mason Lake
 OPTH Silvery Moon Hunt, September 26, Bremerton Kitsap Fairgrounds
Favorite Toy Cars,
Trucks, Vehicles
The club plaque, pictured above, has been found and will be hidden again. The first clue to
the new location will be provided at the May club meeting.
Club meetings now held
from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on
the third Sunday of each
month.
Chairs and tables must
be clean and stored at
the end of each club
meeting.
Gold, platinum and silver testing and value assessment: At each meeting, Matt Mechler
and Jon Gentry have a gram scale and diamond tester, and Ron Aldridge can test gold and
silver. Ron can also help with markings and hallmarks.
Scavenger Hunt Contest: The current hunt ended with the April meeting. The contest
winner was Ron Aldridge with 48 points. Ron received a silver round. Rick Razor was drawn
for second place, and he received a silver half. Mark Kulseth was drawn for third place, and
he received a silver quarter. New hunt lists were provided by Jon, and can be found at the
back of this newsletter. This hunt will last until the October meeting.
Page 3 of 6
Newsletter Title
Club hats and patches: Both are available at club meetings. Patches are $8 and hats are $15.
Web site: Please forward changes and updates to Sue Kaas [email protected].
Club hats and patches: Both are available at club meetings. Patches are $8 and hats are $15.
Web site: Please forward changes and updates to Sue Kaas [email protected].
Selling table: The table is available for members to bring items they wish to sell or trade. No used appliances or cars are
allowed. Members who bring items must remove them at the end of the meeting.
Gold coin raffle: A new raffle started, and will continue until all tickets are sold.
Bake Sale Results: The club raised $587 at the April bake sale. Thank you to all who provided or purchased baked
items, and especially to Jack Davis for donating his Jug of Hope winnings to the sale!
Subject of the Month for April: Guest Speaker Louis Reed attended to provide information about railroad date nails and
Great Northern Railroad artifacts. Ron Aldridge showed some great railroad padlocks.
April Club Hunt: Eleven people attended the hunt at the Greenlake Bathhouse Theater. Nobody found the lucky
penny. The weather was great, the park was busy, and participants had a great time!
Spring Play Day: Susan Lucier and Rocky Mendoza, with help from Jon Gentry, hosted this year’s Spring Play Day. The
event was held at Cedar View Park in Bonney Lake. Festivities included two seeded hunts with silver and other prizes,
raffles, guessing games and lunch. Thanks to Susan and Rocky for organizing a fun event!
Page 4 of 6
Detecting on public land: Always check with city, county, state or other websites for current metal detecting
regulations before you go. Washington State Parks Metal Detecting pamphlet and web site answers many
questions about which state parks are open and where to hunt. Check out their web site for more information:
www.parks.wa.gov
Reminder: Use good digging skills when digging in wet grass. Always use a ground cloth.
Activity fees for non-members: $15 for club activities, $12 for hunts only.
Nickel hunt game: Three silver quarters were awarded for coins found the prior month. Game rules are:
Nickels must be found with a metal detector. For every 5 nickels submitted by a club member, a silver quarter
will be awarded. Nickels are accepted on a first come, first served basis – when you find a needed nickel, email
Sue Kaas at [email protected] to record your find – then bring your nickels to the next club meeting.
Pop can tab collection: In support of Ronald McDonald House, the club will be collecting pop tabs at club hunts
and meetings. One raffle ticket will be given for every 10 tabs donated by club members. Tabs will be sent to a
fellow detectorist, who will provide coins in exchange. Once the coins are received, raffle tickets will be drawn to
win the coins.
Club growth: The CTC is always looking for new members. Ideas for new activities, ways to help our
community or to promote our hobby are always welcomed.
Food bank donations: Donations are needed all year long to support local food banks. It is suggested that
each member bring at least one can of food to each meeting. Please ensure the items are unopened and not
past their pull dates.
Activity List: Consider how you might support activities in 2015.
Subject of the Month for May: Bring your favorite toy car, truck or other vehicle finds to share with the group.
Cookies for May: Cookies for the May meeting will be provided by Gary Clark and Sue Kaas.
A Letter from a Member
You’re driving through a neighborhood and see a house in the process of being torn down. It’s late and
the construction people have left for the day. The place may be fenced or not. You think to yourself “I’ll
just take out my detector and make a quick pass through the yard and see what I find.”
You should think twice about this. In Seattle, it could be criminal trespass in the 2nd degree, punishable
by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for the misdemeanor offense. If the property has a
construction fence around it, unauthorized entry could constitute criminal trespass in the 1st degree with
up to 1 year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. If you are searched and are found with dug coins or relics on
your person, a theft charge could be added.
I know several builders who have given me permission to hunt their new property acquisitions and
teardowns. I asked them what they would do if they caught someone detecting without permission. Their
first reaction was outright anger. Then they said they would be inclined to prosecute, if possible. All said
they have been hit by salvagers at one time or another. Some have resorted to guard services that would
hold the trespasser for the police, if caught.
Rule number one is always get permission to hunt a property, and if in doubt – don’t!
Thanks: A special thanks to the businesses that support and provide donations to our hobby and events:
Jeffery Sarvis, Treasure Dude Detectors, 206-229-3932
Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Coins, 206-364-0090
Page 5 of 6
Newsletter Title
Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics
I WILL always check federal, state, county and local laws
before searching. It is my responsibility to “ know the
law.“
I WILL respect private property and will not enter private
property without the owner’s permission. Where
possible, such permission will be in writing.
I WILL take care to refill all holes and try not to leave any
damage.
I WILL remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter
that I find.
I WILL appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural
resources, wildlife and private property.
I WILL as an ambassador for the hobby, use
thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all
times.
I WILL work to help bring unity to our hobby by working with
any organization of any geographic area that may
have problems that will limit their ability to peacefully
pursue the hobby.
I WILL leave gates as found.
I WILL build fires in designated or safe places only.
I WILL report to the proper authorities any individuals who
enter and or remove artifacts from federal parks or
state preserves.
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Board Members:
Sergeant at Arms
Membership:
Mail dues to:
Newsletter:
Email submissions to:
Meetings:
Mark Kulseth
Mark Jenkins
Ralph Shape
Joe Sacco
Loraine Robbins
Garry Robbins
Jon Gentry
Sue Kaas
John Shape
Donna Shape
253-804-3513
7109 Hazel Pl. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98092
Sue Kaas
206-604-6508
[email protected]
Third Sunday of each month
5 PM at the Highland Park
Improvement club
1116 S.W. Holden St., Seattle
Located in West Seattle 1 mile
west of the 1st Ave. S. bridge.
Guests are always welcome!
1938
1938 D
1938 S
1939 D
1941 S
1942 D
1942 S
1943 D
1944 D
1944 S
1945 D
1946 S
1947 D
1948 D
1948 S
1949 D
1949 S
1950
1950 S
1951
1951 D
1951 S
1952
1952 D
1954
1955
1955 D
1956
1958 D
1961
1965
1971
2007 P
2008 P
2009 D
2009 P
2011 P
2013 P
2015 P
Game Rules: Nickels must be found with a metal detector. For every 5 nickels submitted by a club member, a
silver quarter will be awarded. Nickels are accepted on a first come, first served basis – when you find a needed
nickel, email Sue Kaas at [email protected] to record your find – then bring your nickel to the next club
meeting. An updated list of needed nickels will be available at club meetings and distributed in the monthly
newsletter.
CASCADE TREASURE CLUB
2015 NAME _______________
SCAVENGER HUNT
–
MAY - OCTOBER
ALL ITEMS [1] POINT EXCEPT BONUS [3] POINT ITEMS
OPEN
COINS
RED PULL TAB
SUSPENDER PIECE
ROSEBUSH TAG
DOOR KNOB PLATE
PLATED / JUNK RING
HOSE NOZZLE
RIFLE CASING / CARTRIDGE
AX HEAD
METAL BUTTON MILITARY
PORCELAIN / GLASS BUTTON
RAILROAD SPIKE
SQUARE NAIL
COPPER WIRE
BICYCLE NAME PLATE
TOY CAP GUN
POCKET KNIFE
DOG TAG DATED
SCOUT ITEM
TAX TOKEN WASH. STATE
GAME TOKEN
SEATTLE TRANSIT HALF MOON TOKEN
GOOD FOR TOKEN
BRASS SCREW/NAIL
TOOTSIE TOY
LEAD TOY
JEWELRY
1940 - 58 WHEAT PENNY
1909 WHEAT PENNY
1860 – 1909 INDIAN HD PENNY
SILVER WAR NICKEL
V NICKEL
BUFFALO NICKEL
1890 – 1915 BARBER DIME
1916 – 40 MERCURY DIME
ROSIE DIME 1950 – 60
STAND LIB QUARTER W/DATE
BICENTENNIAL QUARTER
PRE 1900 BARBER HALF
WALKER HALF
KENNEDY HALF
CHINESE CACHE COIN
CANADIAN SILVER COIN
CANADIAN LOONEY
CANADIAN LG CENT
MEXICAN COIN
BRITISH COIN
SPANISH REALE
OTHER PRE 1960 FOREIGN COIN
WASHINGTON STATE QUARTER
SEATED US DIME OR QUARTER
1973 US DIME
ITEMS ENTERED ARE FOR PREVIOUS MONTHS DETECTING
.925 0R STERLING ITEM
10K JEWELRY ITEM
14K ITEM
18 K GOLD RING
BRACELET
GOLD CHAIN
COIN PURSE
WATCH
BONUS 3 POINT ITEMS
GOLD COIN
SILVER DOLLAR
AYPE 1909 ITEM
LARGE CENT U.S.
ENGRAVED GOLD RING
1st place winner is outright
2nd & 3rd place will be drawn
from all participant entries.
Use first two letters of meeting month you turn
items in as marker for found items. [Ma for MAY]
Use this sheet for all months
All items must be found in WASHINGTON STATE & Shown as found