Diagnostic Controls & Presets Lowest Mintage Circulation Indian Cent (309,000 Mintage)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Mintmark Location: Beneath ribbon bow knot
All 309,000 genuine 1909-S cents were struck from four reverse dies where the 'S' mintmark was hand-punched into the die steel, allowing numismatists to match every authentic specimen to one of four known positions.
1909 Philadelphia Indian: 14,368,470 (46x higher)
Authorized by the Act of April 24, 1906 allowing branch mints to strike bronze cents. San Francisco struck cents for only two years (1908-S and 1909-S) before Victor David Brenner's Lincoln design replaced the series.
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
Diameter is exactly 19.0 mm with a plain smooth edge. Red (RD) specimens require at least 95% original orange-red mint luster on both obverse and reverse.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest certified with full blazing copper-orange luster, needle-sharp feather tips, and four distinct headband diamonds.
Ex-Simpson Collection. Glowing iridescent violet-red periphery framing pristine chocolate centers with sharp reverse ribbon knot.
Commercial survivor with complete 'LIBERTY' headband, four partial diamonds, and genuine Position-1 'S' mintmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1909-S Indian Head Cent so famous and valuable?
The 1909-S has the lowest circulation mintage of any regular-issue Indian Head Cent: only 309,000 pieces were struck at the San Francisco Mint before production ceased forever in mid-1909 to make way for the new Lincoln Cent. As the final year and key date of a beloved 50-year design, it commands high premiums in all grades.
Why were Indian Head cents struck in San Francisco for only two years (1908 and 1909)?
Prior to 1906, federal law restricted the minting of base-metal copper and nickel coins solely to the Philadelphia Mint. On April 24, 1906, Congress finally authorized western branch mints to strike bronze cents. The San Francisco Mint produced its first cents in 1908 (the 1908-S) and struck the 1909-S for only a few months before the Lincoln cent was introduced in August 1909.
Where is the 'S' mintmark located on a 1909-S Indian Cent?
The 'S' mintmark is located on the reverse side, centered directly below the ribbon bow knot that ties the oak wreath at the bottom rim.
How can you detect an added 'S' mintmark counterfeit?
Because common 1909 Philadelphia cents (mintage 14.3 million) sell for $15 while a 1909-S sells for $400 to $50,000, counterfeiters frequently glue, solder, or emboss a fake 'S' onto a Philadelphia coin. Numismatists authenticate genuine coins by matching the mintmark shape and placement to one of the four documented genuine San Francisco die pairs.
What does the 'Four Diamonds' check mean when grading Indian Head cents?
Miss Liberty wears a ribbon across her headdress with a hair band that contains four small geometric diamonds. In uncirculated and Extra Fine condition, all four diamonds are crisp and distinct. When a coin wears down to Very Good or Good, the diamonds wear away into a smooth band.
What is the difference between Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN)?
Grading services categorize copper coins by their remaining original mint color: 'Red' (RD) requires 95% or more original fiery orange copper bloom; 'Red-Brown' (RB) exhibits between 5% and 95% red luster with natural toning; 'Brown' (BN) has fully oxidized into an even chocolate-brown patina.
What is the exact composition and weight of the 1909-S Indian Cent?
It is struck in French Bronze alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. It weighs exactly 3.11 grams (48 grains), has a diameter of 19.0 millimeters, and features a plain, unreeded edge.