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1909 Indian Head Penny Value: How Much Is It Worth?
The 1909 Indian Head Penny holds a special place in coin collecting. This coin marks the final year of the Indian Head Penny series, which began in 1859.
Coin collectors value these pennies for their historical significance and rarity.
James Barton Longacre designed the Indian Head Penny. The coin consists of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
It weighs 3.11 grams and measures 19 mm in diameter. These specifications remained consistent throughout the series' production.
How Many Were Minted?
The Philadelphia Mint produced 14,368,470 Indian Head Pennies in 1909. These coins do not have a mint mark.
The San Francisco Mint struck 309,000 coins, marked with an "S" mint mark.
The lower mintage of the San Francisco coins makes them more valuable.
How Are 1909 Indian Cents Graded?
Coin grading determines a coin's condition and value. The Sheldon Scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), is the standard grading system.
Higher grades indicate better condition and higher value.
How Much Are They Worth?
The value of a 1909 Indian Head Penny varies based on its condition and mint mark:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark):
- Good condition: $2 to $3
- Fine condition: $5 to $7
- Extremely Fine condition: $15 to $20
- Uncirculated condition: $50 to $100+
- San Francisco (S mint mark):
- Good condition: $100 to $125
- Fine condition: $150 to $200
- Extremely Fine condition: $400 to $500
- Uncirculated condition: $1,000 to $2,500+
Recent auction results show high-grade 1909-S Indian Head Pennies selling for over $5,000.
Key Date: 1909-S
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny is a key date in the series. Its low mintage of 309,000 makes it rare and valuable.
Collectors often pay premium prices for this coin, especially in higher grades.
Errors and Varieties
Error coins can be valuable. Some known errors in the 1909 Indian Head Penny series include:
- Doubled Die Obverse: Shows doubling on the date or lettering
- Off-Center Strikes: Part of the design is missing due to misalignment
- Repunched Mint Marks: The "S" mint mark appears doubled
These errors can significantly increase a coin's value, sometimes by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Identifying Authentic 1909 Indian Head Pennies
Authentic 1909 Indian Head Pennies have specific features:
- Clear, well-defined details on the Indian's headdress
- Sharp lettering and date
- Correct size and weight
- Proper color for its age and condition
Counterfeit coins may have blurry details, incorrect weight, or unusual color.
Collectors should be cautious when buying high-value coins and consider professional authentication.
Preservation and Storage
Proper storage preserves a coin's condition and value. Collectors should:
- Handle coins by their edges
- Store coins in non-reactive holders
- Keep coins in a cool, dry environment
- Avoid cleaning coins, which can damage their surfaces
Market Trends For Collectors
The market for 1909 Indian Head Pennies remains strong. Prices have generally increased over time, especially for high-grade and key date coins.
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny continues to be in high demand among collectors.
Collectors can focus on:
- Acquiring both Philadelphia and San Francisco mint coins
- Seeking coins in the best condition possible within their budget
- Looking for error coins to add variety to their collection
- Building a complete set of Indian Head Pennies from 1859 to 1909
Conclusion
The 1909 Indian Head Penny is a valuable coin, especially the San Francisco mint version.
Its historical significance, rarity, and the series' final year status make it a prized addition to any collection.
As with all collectibles, condition significantly impacts value. Proper identification, preservation, and an understanding of market trends can help collectors make informed decisions about acquiring and valuing these coins.
Learn more about coin collecting at Lost Treasure HQ.
