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The 1909-S Indian Head Cent holds a special place in American numismatics as the final issue in the long-running Indian Head cent series and the only one struck at the San Francisco Mint. Introduced in 1859 and designed by James Barton Longacre, the Indian Head cent had become one of the most widely used and beloved small-denomination coins in U.S. history. The 1909-S stands as a fitting end to this iconic series, marking a transition to the Lincoln cent, which debuted the same year. With its low mintage and single-year mintmark status, the 1909-S is a key date highly sought after by collectors. In Extra Fine (XF) condition, this coin offers a remarkable blend of historical importance, visual detail, and relative affordability when compared to higher uncirculated grades.
The obverse of the 1909-S Indian Head Cent features the familiar portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American-style feathered headdress, a unique fusion of classical and indigenous symbolism conceived by Longacre. In Extra Fine condition, Liberty’s facial profile remains well-defined, with the outline of the cheekbone, chin, and nose still visible. The seven headdress feathers retain much of their structure, though the finer lines and central grooves are lightly worn. The ribbon behind Liberty’s head that ties the feathers is present and well-formed, and the word “LIBERTY” on the coronet is usually fully or mostly visible. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the design, and the date “1909” appears clearly below the bust. The small “S” mintmark is located just beneath the date, and in XF condition, it remains sharp and easily readable, adding to the coin’s distinctiveness.
The reverse of the coin displays the denomination “ONE CENT” encircled by an oak wreath and topped by a bold Union shield. The reverse design had remained unchanged since 1860 and continued to symbolize national strength and unity, particularly significant during the Reconstruction and post-war eras. In an Extra Fine example, the wreath still shows considerable leaf detail, though the highest points are modestly flattened. The bow that ties the bottom of the wreath is visible, with partial line definition in the loops and knot. The Union shield at the top of the design retains its outline and internal vertical stripes, though these may show minor wear. The lettering remains bold, and the outer rim is typically full and strong.
The 1909-S Indian Head Cent was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, which had only recently begun striking one-cent coins. In fact, this issue marked the first and only time the Indian Head design bore an “S” mintmark. With a total mintage of just 309,000 coins, the 1909-S is by far the lowest mintage of the entire Indian Head cent series. This low production was due in part to the imminent replacement of the design with the Lincoln cent, which also debuted in 1909 and would become the new standard. As a result, the 1909-S Indian Head cent quickly became a prized target for collectors who recognized its significance as both a series finale and a rare mintmarked issue.
In Extra Fine condition, a 1909-S Indian Head Cent exhibits light but even wear across its surfaces. Liberty’s profile is sharply defined, with only minor smoothing on the cheek and hair. The headdress shows light wear on the feathers, with primary lines still visible and tips rounded but complete. The “LIBERTY” on the coronet is typically visible in full, or nearly so, which is essential for proper grading. The “S” mintmark is clear and prominent, an essential diagnostic for verifying authenticity. On the reverse, the oak wreath still exhibits fine leaf structures, and the bow and shield are distinct with modest wear. The coin retains its full rims and bold legends, contributing to strong overall eye appeal for a circulated piece.
Coloration in XF 1909-S Indian Head Cents generally ranges from medium brown to chocolate, with some examples showing faint traces of original red or red-brown color in protected areas. Natural toning and surface texture are preferred by collectors, as cleaned or altered examples may lose aesthetic and numismatic value. The coin should exhibit original surfaces without significant nicks, corrosion, or discoloration. Light contact marks are acceptable in circulated grades, but major flaws or heavy abrasions detract from both visual appeal and market value. An attractive XF coin is often seen as the perfect balance between cost and detail for collectors looking to complete a high-quality date and mintmark set of Indian Head cents.
The historical importance of the 1909-S Indian Head Cent cannot be overstated. Struck during the final months of Indian Head cent production, the coin represents the end of a 50-year design legacy and the beginning of a new era with the Lincoln cent. Its status as the only Indian Head cent produced at the San Francisco Mint adds to its uniqueness and scarcity. This transition year is notable for producing both the 1909 and 1909-S Indian Head cents and the new 1909 and 1909-S Lincoln Wheat cents, including the famous 1909-S VDB. As such, the 1909-S Indian Head is an essential inclusion in any serious U.S. cent collection, especially for those assembling complete sets of either the Indian Head or Lincoln series.
Collectors of 20th-century coinage often view the 1909-S Indian Head as one of the crown jewels of the small cent series. Even though the coin circulated for only a brief period before being retired from production, many examples were spent or damaged, limiting the number of surviving specimens in higher grades. XF examples are especially desirable because they maintain most of the design’s integrity while remaining more accessible than Mint State pieces, which command significant premiums. Certified examples from PCGS or NGC are commonly sought after to ensure authenticity, as the coin’s rarity has made it a target for counterfeits over the years.
The 1909-S is often one of the final coins acquired when completing a full Indian Head cent set, due to its relative expense and scarcity. Its unique “S” mintmark, low mintage, and historical status as the series’ finale contribute to its enduring value and desirability. Extra Fine condition provides the collector with an outstanding compromise between cost and remaining detail. Many XF specimens offer strong visual contrast between the fields and devices, highlighting the artistic elements of Longacre’s enduring design while preserving the character of a circulated piece.
In conclusion, the 1909-S Indian Head Cent in Extra Fine condition is a compelling and historically rich coin that represents the culmination of a beloved American coin series. With strong design detail, solid preservation, and undeniable historical significance, this issue stands as one of the most important key dates in U.S. numismatics. For collectors seeking a premium circulated example of this scarce and pivotal coin, an XF 1909-S offers exceptional value, beauty, and a direct link to the final chapter of the Indian Head cent legacy.