Numismatic

1908-S Indian Head Cent XF-45 NGC

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In 1908, the United States Mint in San Francisco struck a distinctive version of the classic one cent piece. This issue represents a notable moment in the long-running series, as it was produced at a branch mint rather than the main facility in Philadelphia. Crafted from an alloy consisting of 95 percent copper alongside a 5 percent blend of tin and zinc, the coin is a tangible survivor of early twentieth-century American currency. The obverse features a depiction of Liberty adorned with a feathered headdress, surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the date "1908" at the bottom. James B. Longacre designed this iconic imagery, which became one of the most recognizable faces of American coinage during the post-Civil War era. On the reverse, the denomination "ONE CENT" is positioned in the center, framed by an ornamental wreath. A shield sits at the very top of the design, while a bundle of arrows secured by a ribbon bow rests at the bottom. Directly below this bow, the letter "S" is visible, indicating its origin from the San Francisco Mint. This specific example has been certified and graded as Extremely Fine 45 (XF-45), preserving the fine details of both the intricate headdress and the delicate oak leaves of the wreath.