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The Certified 1908-S Indian Head Cent graded VF20 by PCGS is an important and desirable coin for collectors of U.S. small cents, representing a key semi-key date within the Indian Head series. The 1908-S marked a historic milestone, as it was the first Indian Head cent to be struck at the San Francisco Mint. This western branch mint had produced coins since the California Gold Rush era, but 1908 was the first year it was authorized to mint cents. As a result, the 1908-S Indian Head Cent stands apart for its significance and relative scarcity, especially in collectible grades like VF20. With this grade and PCGS certification, the coin maintains strong detail despite moderate circulation and has been preserved with authenticity and grade assurance from one of the most trusted grading services.
On the obverse, the coin features James Barton Longacre’s classic portrait of Liberty, styled with a Native American headdress inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Surrounding Liberty are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the date “1908” positioned at the bottom. In a VF20 specimen, Liberty’s hair details and facial contours show moderate flattening from circulation, but the headdress feathers retain distinct separation, and the ribbon and the coronet inscription are mostly legible. The field remains relatively clean, and the stars are defined, though slightly worn. The date is bold and centered, with clear spacing between the digits. In circulated but well-preserved condition, this obverse presentation retains much of its original visual impact.
The reverse design of the coin consists of a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” topped by a Union shield. On the 1908-S cent, the most distinguishing feature is the small “S” mintmark, located just below the bow at the base of the wreath. Even in VF20, this mintmark is visible and sharply formed, providing critical authentication of the San Francisco origin. The shield remains partially defined, and although some of the leaf veins in the wreath have blended due to wear, the major design elements remain separated and clear. The overall reverse in this grade offers an attractive, evenly worn appearance with solid detail retention.
The San Francisco Mint struck only 1,115,000 Indian Head cents in 1908, making it the lowest mintage for any cent since the 1870s, and second lowest in the entire Indian Head series after the 1909-S. This modest production figure immediately set the coin apart as a scarcity upon release. The branch mint designation and low output combined to ensure that even during its original circulation life, the 1908-S was recognized as a noteworthy issue. Many examples entered commerce and saw extensive wear, making mid-grade circulated coins relatively difficult to locate today. The addition of the “S” mintmark for the first time on a cent also marked the beginning of a new practice—identifying branch mint origin for the smallest denomination, which had previously only been produced at Philadelphia.
In 1908, the country was nearing the end of the Indian Head cent’s production, with the Lincoln cent already being prepared for release in 1909 to mark the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. As such, the 1908-S was among the final entries in the Indian Head series, and its low mintage ensured collector interest from the beginning. The fact that only two dates (1908-S and 1909-S) carry the “S” mintmark in this long-running series adds to their collectibility. While the 1909-S Indian Head cent is considered the ultimate key date, the 1908-S holds an important place as its predecessor and is more affordable in lower grades like VF20.
PCGS, the Professional Coin Grading Service, has assigned this coin a grade of VF20 or “Very Fine,” signifying that it retains strong and complete design elements with moderate, even wear across both sides. In this grade, coins must show all letters, numbers, and design outlines clearly, although fine interior details like hair strands, feather lines, and wreath texture will exhibit softening. A VF20 Indian Head cent is well-suited for advanced type sets and budget-conscious collectors who want a solid example without the premium of higher Mint State grades. The PCGS certification adds value by guaranteeing the coin’s authenticity and grade, protecting the buyer from common issues in this series such as altered mintmarks or counterfeit pieces.
The surfaces of a PCGS VF20 1908-S Indian Head Cent are typically a warm, even brown, often described as chocolate or olive in tone. Some coins may exhibit slightly darker areas from original handling or contact with other coins in circulation. While the luster is absent due to wear, the coin should show no signs of harsh cleaning, corrosion, or major damage. Minor contact marks and smoothing on high points are expected and acceptable at this grade level. The eye appeal, particularly for a key-date issue like this, comes from its even wear, problem-free surfaces, and complete devices rather than mint bloom or color contrast.
Collectors pursue the 1908-S Indian Head Cent for several reasons beyond its mintage and mintmark novelty. As one of only two San Francisco issues in the Indian Head series, it is essential for those completing a full date and mintmark set. It also fits into specialized collections focused on first-year issues, branch mint coinage, or low-mintage 20th-century coins. In terms of market availability, most surviving examples grade between Good and Extremely Fine, with AU and Mint State examples becoming rare and expensive. Thus, VF20 represents a solid midpoint grade that balances affordability with respectable preservation and full attribution.
This coin holds additional value as a historic artifact from the early 20th century, a time when the United States Mint was rapidly expanding its operations and transitioning toward modern coinage. The introduction of the mintmark on a cent denomination in 1908 reflected the growing production capacity of the San Francisco Mint and foreshadowed the widespread use of mintmarks in future coin series. The 1908-S serves not only as a numismatic rarity but also as a tangible connection to the evolution of American coinage policy and production practices.
In conclusion, the Certified 1908-S Indian Head Cent graded VF20 by PCGS is a standout coin that combines key-date appeal, branch mint significance, and solid collectible quality. With clear devices, an identifiable “S” mintmark, and even wear, it offers an excellent representation of one of the most important issues in the Indian Head series. PCGS certification ensures its authenticity and grade integrity, making it a trustworthy and valuable addition to any numismatic collection, whether focused on copper coinage, 20th-century issues, or U.S. type coins.