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The Certified 1908-S Indian Head Cent graded XF45 by PCGS is a highly desirable and historically significant coin, representing the first Indian Head cent struck at a branch mint. This issue holds a special place in numismatics not only because of its relatively low mintage but also due to its important role in U.S. minting history. With a modest production total and a one-year-only status as the first San Francisco Indian Head cent, the 1908-S has long been a key date for collectors of the series. The PCGS XF45 designation indicates a piece with light wear and strong remaining detail, making it an excellent combination of affordability, eye appeal, and historical importance.
The Indian Head cent series, designed by James Barton Longacre, was first introduced in 1859 and continued until 1909, when it was replaced by the Lincoln cent. Longacre’s design features a left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on the headband. The obverse also includes the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the date at the bottom. The reverse design underwent a slight change after the first year, featuring a laurel wreath in 1859 and an oak wreath with a shield from 1860 onward. The 1908-S cent uses the later reverse, with a bold “ONE CENT” inscription inside the wreath and a prominent Union shield at the top.
The 1908-S Indian Head cent is unique in that it marked the beginning of Indian Head cent production at the San Francisco Mint. Until 1908, all Indian Head cents had been struck solely at the Philadelphia Mint. The expansion of small cent production to San Francisco was part of a broader effort to increase coinage capacity and address the growing need for small change on the West Coast. As the only Indian Head cent with an “S” mintmark alongside the 1909-S, the 1908-S holds lasting appeal to both series specialists and type collectors alike. The mintmark is located just below the wreath on the reverse, to the left of the word “ONE.”
The San Francisco Mint struck just 1,115,000 Indian Head cents in 1908, a figure significantly lower than many earlier dates and considerably below the multi-million production numbers from Philadelphia. This limited mintage has elevated the 1908-S to semi-key status in the Indian Head series, particularly in higher grades. Despite the modest mintage, the 1908-S circulated widely, and few examples were set aside in pristine condition. As a result, most survivors are found in lower circulated grades, with Extra Fine and higher examples becoming increasingly scarce and valuable.
The PCGS XF45 grade indicates a coin that has seen moderate circulation but retains nearly complete design detail. On this example, Liberty’s portrait is strong, with all major features visible and most hair details still distinct, though slightly softened from wear. The feathers in the headdress show separation, and “LIBERTY” on the headband is fully readable—a hallmark of an accurately graded XF coin. On the reverse, the oak leaves and acorns of the wreath remain sharply defined, and the shield at the top exhibits some high-point smoothing but remains bold. The date and mintmark are fully clear and sharply impressed, without signs of damage or wear that would affect legibility or visual appeal.
The color of an XF45 Indian Head cent such as this one typically ranges from medium brown to a slightly reddish hue, often depending on how the coin has toned over time. PCGS-certified coins are guaranteed to be authentic and accurately graded, giving collectors confidence in their investment. Encapsulation in a tamper-evident PCGS holder also helps preserve the coin from environmental contaminants and physical wear, ensuring its long-term stability and collectibility.
Though not as rare as the 1909-S Indian Head cent, which had a mintage of only 309,000, the 1908-S remains a semi-key date that is essential for completing a full Indian Head cent collection. The coin’s historical status as the first branch mint issue of the series adds to its importance, especially among collectors who value first-year issues. XF45 examples offer an excellent balance of affordability and detail. While Mint State pieces command much higher premiums, Extra Fine coins like this one remain well within reach for most serious collectors while still offering significant detail and aesthetic satisfaction.
The 1908-S cent was struck during a pivotal time in U.S. numismatics, as the U.S. Mint was transitioning from the long-running Indian Head design to the new Lincoln cent introduced in 1909. The Indian Head design had become an American icon by the early 20th century, symbolizing a blend of classical portraiture and American frontier imagery. The addition of the San Francisco Mint as a producer of small cents reflected the westward growth of the nation and the increased need for coins across the expanding economy. Thus, the 1908-S also stands as a marker of geographic and economic development during a dynamic period in U.S. history.
Collectors seeking a coin with both visual charm and historical depth will find the 1908-S Indian Head cent in XF45 to be a compelling addition. Its strong strike, solid surfaces, and moderate wear give it excellent eye appeal, while its relatively low mintage and branch mint status enhance its numismatic value. The coin can serve as either a standout individual piece or a crucial puzzle piece in completing a full-date and mintmark Indian Head cent set. Furthermore, its certification by PCGS ensures buyers that the coin is original, problem-free, and worthy of inclusion in any serious collection.
In conclusion, the Certified 1908-S Indian Head Cent graded XF45 by PCGS is a highly collectible and historically meaningful coin that combines scarcity, artistry, and national symbolism. Its role as the first Indian Head cent struck outside Philadelphia, along with its limited mintage and enduring popularity, secure its place as a standout in U.S. numismatics. This well-preserved Extra Fine example offers collectors a tangible connection to the closing chapter of the Indian Head series, with solid detail, a pleasing patina, and the confidence of professional certification. Whether as part of a focused Indian Head set or a broader 19th- and early 20th-century type collection, it is a coin that embodies the richness of American coinage history.