The first wheat pennies with a unique feature

In 1909 the last indian head pennies and the first wheat pennies were minted. For about 3 months the wheat pennies had the initials V.D.B. for its designer Victor David Brenner on the bottom of the reverse. The design was indeed very good and the obverse is still used today on pennies, but many people complained that his initials were two prominent on the coin. The general public opinion was that he got paid a large amount for the design so no more recognition should be given to him. The initials were taken off for the rest of 1909 and until 1918 the coin didn't recognize him at all. In 1918 the initials were put at the bottom of Lincoln's shirt where it still is today 100 years later.

The 1909 p vdb is worth $5 in about good condition but is worth up to $7,000 for the best example. At my local coin shop I saw a whole section of these pennies so I decided to get one. The coin was worn and the vbd was hard to see but I it was cheap so I bought it. I think the dealer wanted to get rid of them since he had a large group so mine only cost $2.50 (not the picture). Picture citation: https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/342/small-cents/lincoln-wheat-cent/1909-P/vdb/