The 1909-S Indian Head Penny is one of the most sought-after coins in American history. It represents the end of the Indian Head Cent series, which ran from 1859 to 1909, and the beginning of a new era with the Lincoln Cent.
With a low mintage of just 309,000 coins, this penny is considered a key date for collectors. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable Indian Head Pennies in existence.
The End of the Indian Head Penny Series
The Indian Head Penny was first introduced in 1859 and was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, while the reverse shows an oak wreath with a shield at the top. This design remained in circulation for 50 years and became a staple of American coinage.
By 1909, the U.S. Mint decided to replace the Indian Head Penny with the Lincoln Cent to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The transition marked a major shift in U.S. coinage. The 1909-S Indian Head Penny, struck at the San Francisco Mint, was among the last coins of its kind, making it a key issue in numismatic history.
Why the 1909-S Indian Head Penny is So Rare
Compared to other Indian Head Pennies, the 1909-S had an extremely low mintage of just 309,000 coins. This was because the U.S.
Mint focused more on producing the new Lincoln Cent, making the 1909-S one of the scarcest Indian Head Pennies ever minted.
Most of these pennies entered circulation, meaning that finding high-grade examples today is difficult. Many were lost, damaged, or heavily worn over time. Because of this, even well-worn examples command high prices, while uncirculated specimens are extremely valuable.
How Much is the 1909-S Indian Head Penny Worth?
The value of a 1909-S Indian Head Penny depends on its condition. Circulated coins can sell for several hundred dollars, while well-preserved examples reach into the thousands. Mint-state coins, especially those with sharp details and little wear, can fetch over $10,000 at auction.
For collectors, owning a high-grade 1909-S Indian Head Penny is a dream come true. The combination of historical importance, rarity, and classic design makes it one of the most desirable coins in U.S. numismatics.
A Legacy That Lives On
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny is more than just a rare coin—it represents a turning point in American currency.
It marks the end of a beloved series and the beginning of the Lincoln Cent, which remains in circulation today. For collectors, this penny is a piece of history, telling the story of a changing America.
Even over a century later, the 1909-S Indian Head Penny continues to captivate coin enthusiasts. Its beauty, rarity, and historical significance ensure that it will remain a prized treasure for generations to come.
Coin Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1909-S Indian Head Penny |
| Designer | James B. Longacre (Chief Engraver, U.S. Mint) |
| Series | Indian Head Cent (1859–1909) |
| Mint & Mintage | San Francisco Mint (309,000 coins struck) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Weight & Size | 3.11 grams, 19 mm diameter |
| Obverse Design | Lady Liberty with Native American headdress |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath with shield at top |
| Historical Significance | One of the last Indian Head Pennies before transition to the Lincoln Cent |
| Rarity | One of the scarcest Indian Head Pennies |
| Value | Ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars based on condition |
| Collector Appeal | Highly sought after due to rarity and historical importance |
