
Missing the "S"
Pictured is my 1909 VDB I won from the YN auction two months ago. It is a solid red uncirculated cent, and other than a small carbon spot on the reverse, it is seemingly perfect. At the 2019 Summer Seminar, I took the Type set course taught by Frank Van Valen and David Lange (although David Lange was unable to actually make it that year because of health reasons). One topic that was brought up was if the VDB should actually be considered a type or a variety. The JS was added onto the Roosevelt dime in later years and the FS was placed on the Jefferson nickel in the following years too, but neither are considered different types. When coins are missing initials, we always consider them to be varieties, such as missing FG examples on modern half dollars and lincoln memorial cents. My personal opinion is that VDB cents are varieties, not types. I don't think the addition of initials or lack thereof should constitute an entire type. If so, that would mean 1918 cents going forward would also be a different type, and that is not the case. Let me know Your opinions, thank you in advance!