1909 (S) Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$3,400 NGC Genuine 01-27-2021 eBay
Description
The 1909 (S) Indian Head Cent, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 collection. With a mintage of 309,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 2% of total production. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. The final year of the Indian Head Cent before being replaced by the Lincoln Cent. The 1909-S is the key San Francisco date. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $376 to $1.6K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2238.
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