Numismatic

1909-S Indian Head Cent XF

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The 1909-S Indian Head Cent represents the final chapter of a beloved design era in United States coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this particular issue is highly sought after by enthusiasts due to its low production numbers in the final year of the series. Crafted from an alloy of 95 percent copper and 5 percent tin and zinc, this coin has survived in Extra Fine condition, preserving the distinct details of its historic artwork. On the obverse, the design features Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress, with the word LIBERTY clearly inscribed across the band. The date 1909 is positioned at the bottom, beneath the bust, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs around the border. This imagery, created by James B. Longacre, offers a unique nineteenth-century interpretation of American freedom. The reverse of the coin displays the denomination ONE CENT boldly centered within a stylized oak wreath. At the top of the wreath sits a small shield, while the bottom features a bundle of arrows secured by a ribbon bow. Crucially, the small S mint mark is located just below the bow on the reverse, indicating its origin from the San Francisco facility and distinguishing it from its Philadelphia-minted counterparts.