Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/7/2007

Question
I have a 1909 vdb, no mint mark, penny which I believe to be in good shape... other than being dirty.  What are some important signs of wear to look for?  Also what is an average range of what this penny would be worth?  I know it is an estimate only.  I belive the fact that it has no mint mark means it is from Philadelphia; is that correct?
Thanks for any help or advice!

Answer
Hello Elisha,                        

Does your coin have the initials V.D.B. on the back below the wreath?
In each series of coin type like yours there are some quick reference points of wear to be seen on the high points that are known to show wear first.

For grading the Cent look at Lincolns bow tie, jaw bone and ear they wear  first.  
Wheat cents were minted from 1909 to 1958, at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. If you see a "D" below the date, the coin was minted in Denver. If you see an "S" below the date, the coin was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter below the date the coin was minted in Philadelphia.

All of these facts are covered in the RED BOOK.
Do not try to clean the coins in any way. Learning to estimate the grade of the coins and noting any cleaning or mishandling is key to finding the value. See if you can borrow or use at your library a copy of the Red Book titled " A Guide Book of U. S. Coins" by R.S. Yeoman, has pictures showing the difference.
The grading details it describes at the start of each coin series is taken from the American Numismatic Association Standard. And uses the 1 to 70 scale recognized by all professionals since the 1970's.

Most circulated coins range from Good (grade-G4) to Almost Uncirculated (grade-AU50) on the scale. So remember a grade of Good or 4 out of a possible 70 is kind of a low grade.

I can only give you approximate prices for an unseen cent.
A Philadelphia issue 1909 cent in circulated condition sells from $1.00 to $3.00 dollars

Good (Grade 4) = .50 and the V.D.B. about $4.00

Very Good (Grade-8) = .75 and the V.D.B. about $6.00

Fine (grade 12) = $1.25 and the V.D.B. about $7.00

Very Fine (Grade 20) =  $2.00 and the V.D.B. about $7.75

Extremely Fine (grade-40) = $3.00 and the V.D.B. about $8.00

Almost Uncirculated (Grade-50) = $4.00 and the V.D.B. about $9.00

These values are estimates depending on condition, type and mint mark yours may be more or less valuable

I hope this information helps. Please remember to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Good Luck

PapaJack