Is this a counterfeit 1909S VDB?

[grnwavdav]

Okay, carefully removed the gunk. Here are the new pictures. I am thinking it is the real deal more and more now. What do you think now?

[simonm]

Maybe it's just my eyes, but is there a shallow depression around the MM in the first pic? Or is that just a result of you getting the gunk out?

[grnwavdav]

Maybe it's just my eyes, but is there a shallow depression around the MM in the first pic? OR is that just a result of you getting the gunk out?

I think it is the same scratches that are shown in the pictures I've seen of the authentic die #4. I hope there are not tool marks.

[Magers]

Awesome Dave, Welcome to the face value S VDB club!

[GrumpyEd]

Looks like a lot of of the green gunk came off except that corrosion spot.
So tempting to try more but most likely it's not going to come completely off without leaving a scar.

I think the coin is probably legit.

[liveandievarieties]

You're good David- I'll bet anyone $100 that it's the genuine article. Be sure to have PCGS tell you too, but I'd buy it raw.

[foundinrolls]

It would have to be a well made fake , if it was. You still need to get it authenticated but I did an overlay image of a mintmark position #4 over your coin. I had to resize the images to make it work and I could have been just a hair more accurate but the outcome appears to indicate that your coin could be genuine. Again, I can't pronounce it real this way but I am leaning toward the coin being good. The MM position and shape are about perfect and the VDB initials are just fine. Anyway here's the image and the top coin is transparent to a large degree so you can actually see how well everything lines up.

[grnwavdav]

Looks like a lot of of the green gunk came off except that corrosion spot.
So tempting to try more but most likely it's not going to come completely off without leaving a scar.

I think the coin is probably legit.

That's why I didn't mess with it. You're right, so tempting.

[liveandievarieties]

You don't have anything to worry about David. Unless the obverse scuffs are worse than they show in the photos, your coin will grade XF. You are a lucky man!

[grnwavdav]

You don't have anything to worry about David. Unless the obverse scuffs are worse than they show in the photos, your coin will grade XF. You are a lucky man!

Thanks! I am very excited! So, at the PCGS booth they will Just give me a verbal grade and authentication. Right?

[simonm]

Being a member of the LCR must be good luck. Seriously, 2 different members each finding a 1909-S VDB (and not a low-grade example, either) in less than a year? That's amazing.

[Gunnovice09]

Congrats on the amazing find! Simon did you add this to your timeline?

[simonm]

Congrats on the amazing find! Simon did you add this to your timeline?

I just did. Definitely another stellar moment in the forum history.

[Gunnovice09]

Did willbrooks 1960d he just found make it on there?

[liveandievarieties]

While the 60-D is impressive, the timeline is generally reserved for "monumental" events. I think Will's ban should be on there though!