The 1909 S Indian Head cent is a fascinating coin of American numismatic history, describing not only a semi-key coin but also one of the final issues of the special Indian Head cent series. This series began in 1859, and concluded in 1909, making the 1909-S one of the last coins built before the introduction of the Lincoln cent. Known for its beauty and historical value, the 1909-S Indian Head Cent is highly sought after by collectors.
History of 1909 S Indian Head Cent
The Indian Head cent series had been minted just at the Philadelphia Mint until 1908 when the San Francisco Mint started production. This transition marked an important moment in the series’ history, presenting the “S” mint mark on the iconic coin. The 1909-S Indian Head cent, like its 1908-S counterpart, is much rarer than the later Philadelphia issues. With a mintage of only 309,000 coins, the 1909-S is significantly lower than the 1908-S, which had a mintage of 1,115,000 coins.
What makes the 1909-S especially unique is that its mintage is even lower than the series key date, the 1877 Indian Head cent. Both the 1877 and 1909-S coins are the only regular-issue cents in the series with mintages under one million, but the 1909-S coins are generally less valuable because of the higher survival rate of coins from that year reached 1877.
Coin Specifications
- Country: United States
- Year of Issue: 1909
- Denomination: One Cent (USD)
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 309,000
- Alloy: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.00 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: James B. Longacre
- Reverse Designer: James B. Longacre
- Quality: Business Strike
Design
The Indian Head Cent was designed by James B. Longacre.
Obverse:
The obverse of the Indian headcent has a leftward-facing bust of Miss Liberty decorated in a feathered headdress that is representative of Native American culture. In this example, a relatively large black spot is found on the second feather from the front side. The coin features subtle yet appealing toning.
Liberty’s headdress is decorated with ornate ribbons, like a main one at the base inscribed with “LIBERTY” and a smaller, diamond-patterned ribbon following down her neck. In 1864, a ribbon within Liberty’s lower hair detail achieved value when it was marked with the initial “L” for Longacre. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the obverse edge, and the date “1909” is placed at the bottom center under Liberty’s neck.
Reverse:
The reverse of the 1909-S Indian Head cent shows an oak wreath and a Union shield at the head center. The wreath surrounds the denomination ONE CENT and is expressed in the text at the center of the reverse. The “S” mintmark represents the coin’s origin at the San Francisco Mint at the lowest center of the coin under a ribbon at the base of the wreath.
Edge:
The edge of the 1909 S Indian Head cent is simple or smooth without any reeding or inscription.
Rarity and Condition
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), there are fewer than 5,000 surviving examples of the 1909-S Indian Head cent, spanning all grades and color designations (Brown, Red-Brown, and Red). The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has registered 4,074 examples at the time of publication, though this number has some coins that have been resubmitted for regrading, representing the actual number of unique coins is lower.
Most of the surviving 1909-S cents are found in circulated grades, making high-grade examples extremely valuable. The coin’s rarity, associated with its historical significance, makes it a valued to any collection.
Errors
In the 1909 S Indian Head cent, no primary mint errors are commonly associated collectors still seek out minor varieties and rarities. These can have die cracks, repunched mint marks, and other small inconsistencies that add an extra layer of intrigue to an already fascinating coin. As with all collectible coins, error examples can command a premium, especially when they are well-documented and in good condition.
1909 S Indian Cent Value, Grading & More
Despite its original mintage of 309,000, the 1909-S Indian Cent is a rare find today, with PCGS estimating that only about 5,000 survive across all grades. Most of these coins fall between VF20 and AU50. Even in a lower grade like G4, prices start around $325.
For coins graded between VF20 and XF40, prices range from $400 to $600. As for Mint State (MS) grades, expect to spend over $1,000. An MS60BN example costs around $1,050, while an MS63BN is valued at $1,350.
The cost rises significantly for higher-grade coins with Red-Brown (RB) and Red (RD) designations. An MS64RB can set collectors back about $2,400, and an MS65RD can reach $5,500. Above MS65RD, the populations thin out, with only 29 known in MS66RD and just two in MS67RD, the highest known grade.
The record price for a 1909 S Indian Cent is an astounding $97,750, paid at a 2006 Heritage Auctions for a PCGS MS67RD specimen.
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Conclusion
The 1909 S Indian Head cent is a unique coin that captures an important moment in the history of American currency. As one of the final issues of a series that spanned half a century, it has a special place in the hearts of collectors. Because of its rarity, historical value, and universal appeal, numismatists are going to have a great desire for this rare coin. The 1909 S Indian Head cent is a coin that represents the rich history of American coinage, despite your experience level.