The "V.D.B. Initials" refer to the initials of the engraver Victor David Brenner, who designed the famous Lincoln penny in 1909. These initials are located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the wheat stalks. The inclusion of his initials was a notable departure from previous coin designs, which typically did not feature the engraver's name. The Lincoln penny was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The V.D.B. initials were initially included on the coin but were removed later that same year due to public outcry, making the original coins with the initials highly sought after by collectors.