Hey everyone! I recently dove into the world of Lincoln pennies and have been captivated by the 1909-S penny. I stumbled upon a pretty decent example at a local coin show, and I couldn’t help but think about what makes this coin such a hot topic among collectors. From its low mintage to its historical context, there’s so much to unpack!
What I found particularly fascinating is its reputation as a ‘key date’ coin. In grade Fine (F) or above, these can go for quite a pretty penny—or should I say, two! I’ve done a bit of research and learned that only about 484,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint that year. The scarcity definitely adds to its allure, but I’m also curious about the specific grades that draw the most attention. I came across a few in higher grades, and it’s mind-blowing how much they command!
So, I’m here to ask: what are your thoughts on the 1909-S penny? Have any of you had the chance to find one in your travels? What condition do you think is the most sought-after? Let’s share our experiences and any cool stories related to this iconic coin!
The 1909-S penny truly is a fascinating coin! Its significance isn’t just in its rarity but also in its history. When it was released, it marked the 100th anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth, and the San Francisco Mint produced just 484,000 of them, making it a key date among collectors. In terms of value, if you can find one that is graded as MS65 or higher, you might be looking at thousands of dollars! I’ve been fortunate enough to own a couple of these, one of which I picked up at a flea market for a great price. It’s now graded at F12 and I’m planning to send it for re-grading soon. I can’t wait to see how it performs in the market. Any thoughts on grading standards for this particular coin?
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Great insights, @coincollector27! I really appreciate your personal experience. I’ve heard that a lot of collectors prefer the AU58 grade for the 1909-S, as it balances affordability with enough detail to showcase its beauty. Do you find that higher graded coins just tend to stay on the market longer, with fewer buyers? That’s been my experience lately.
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Honestly, I think the 1909-S penny is a great entry point for new collectors too. It’s rare, but not so rare that it’s unreachable. I had a friend who found one in decent shape at a yard sale! He paid only a dollar for it! I always tell beginners to keep an eye out for these types of coins wherever they go. What a rush it must be to find one unexpectedly! Have you ever thought about adding any other ‘key date’ coins to your collection, @coinenthusiast92?
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That’s such a great story, @pennywizard! I think the thrill of the hunt is what makes this hobby so rewarding. It’s not just about having a rare coin, but the journey of finding it adds to the value. Speaking of key dates, has anyone looked into the 1914-D penny? I hear it’s also considered pretty desirable among collectors!
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Absolutely, @goldrushtreasure! The 1914-D is in the same league as the 1909-S. I read that one in F12 can go for anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000 depending on condition. It’s all about that mintage and historical storyline that brings the premium! Anyone familiar with the grading process for that coin? I want to learn how it compares to the 1909-S.
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The 1909-S penny is definitely one of those coins that stand out! As a collector who focuses on Lincoln cents, I can assure you that finding one in high grade is quite the accomplishment. I once traded a bunch of less significant coins for an EF40 I found at a local auction – it was a great deal. Just be cautious when dealing with online purchases, as there are plenty of counterfeits out there. Always check for authentication services like PCGS or NGC. Anyone here have links to trustworthy dealers?
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I just love the variety in the Lincoln penny series! The 1909-S is obviously the crown jewel, but don’t overlook auctions for other variants. I’ve seen prices skyrocket lately! By the way, what’s your preferred way of displaying your coins, @coinenthusiast92? Thinking about upgrading my display case this month.
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Good point, @silverstacker77! I’m actually considering a shadow box display. It allows for both protection and visibility. I’m really excited about making my collection stand out. Does anyone have suggestions on where to get quality frames?
Regarding the 1914-D and its grading, @historybuff99, it indeed follows the same principles as grading the 1909-S. The overall condition, surface quality, and any distracting marks greatly impact value. In fact, I’ve seen some in AU55 range reach upwards of $5,000! That’s comparable to a high grade 1909-S. That said, do your homework before purchasing!
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Don’t forget to utilize the resources on US Mint as well. They provide history, pricing, and even news on the upcoming releases which might impact the values of these coveted coins. Just because the 1909-S is hot now, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep an eye on what’s next!
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