It stands for Victor David Brenner, the man who designed the wheat penny. As all designers do, he put his initials on the coin; in this case, on the back.
More InformationWhen the coin was first released Brenner put his initials on the back of the coin at the bottom next to the rim. There was a public outcry claiming that the monogram was "too prominent", even though other designers had put their initials on coins for decades. Sadly some of the opposition was fueled by anti-Semitism because Brenner was the first Jewish artist to design a circulating coin.The Mint gave in and removed Brenner's initials entirely. By 1918 sentiment had changed, in part due to the new dimes and halves that bore the monogram of another Jewish artist, A. A. Weinman. Brenner's initials were restored to the cent, but this time they were placed in tiny incuse (recessed) letters under the fold of Lincoln's coat where they've remained ever since.
No a 1973 penny will not have VDB.
The VDB initials, which stand for the designer Victor David Brenner, are located on the reverse side of the 1918 penny, specifically at the bottom near the edge, just below the wheat stalks. These initials are a small but significant detail that denotes Brenner's contribution to the design of the Lincoln penny.
A penny that is 1909 VDB could get up to around $5. The reason is because a penny that is 1909 VDB has 28 million pennies minted.
From 1918 to date.
Philadelphia - 27,995,000 with the designer's initial VDB on the back; 72,700,000 without.San Francisco - 484,000 with VDB; 1,825,000 without
No a 1973 penny will not have VDB.
A 1909-S VDB penny!
The VDB initials, which stand for the designer Victor David Brenner, are located on the reverse side of the 1918 penny, specifically at the bottom near the edge, just below the wheat stalks. These initials are a small but significant detail that denotes Brenner's contribution to the design of the Lincoln penny.
A lot of money and 4,000 miles. 1909 VDB cents were struck in Philadelphia and retail for about $7. Like all Phila. coins before 1979/80 (except for "war nickels") they do not have a mint mark. 1909-S VDB cents were struck in San Francisco and have a small S under the date. These are much rarer and retail for $900 to $1500 depending on condition.
A penny that is 1909 VDB could get up to around $5. The reason is because a penny that is 1909 VDB has 28 million pennies minted.
From 1918 to date.
These initials belong to Victor David Brenner. He designed the front of a Lincoln penny.
Philadelphia - 27,995,000 with the designer's initial VDB on the back; 72,700,000 without.San Francisco - 484,000 with VDB; 1,825,000 without
The 1909 S VDB wheat cent is the rarest to date.
It is the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin's designer.
On the bottom of Lincoln's shoulder, very near the rim.
1909 VDB (Victor D. Brenner) About $5-30 depending on condition. 1909 S VDB: About $800-8000 depending on condition.