Hey fellow collectors! I had an incredible stroke of luck yesterday while going through my change from a quick trip to the grocery store. I stumbled upon a 1909-S penny! It’s in decent shape — not pristine, but there’s definitely some luster left, and I can see the ‘S’ mintmark clearly. I know these coins are quite sought after due to their rarity, but I’m unsure about how to accurately assess its value.
I’ve done some preliminary research and found that a lot depends on the condition. I’ve seen plenty of graded examples of this penny, and it seems like even small differences in quality can lead to a big jump in price. I haven’t yet decided if I want to get it graded or just find a buyer in its current state. I’m also curious if any of you have had a similar experience with this penny or other rare finds. What factors did you consider when valuing your coins?
So, what do you all think? How should I go about determining a fair value for my 1909-S penny? Should I consider getting it graded, or is it better to sell as is? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Congrats on the find! The 1909-S penny is indeed a treasure among collectors. As you mentioned, the condition of the coin significantly affects its value. If you want an accurate assessment, consider these points:
- Check for any signs of wear, such as scratches or discoloration.
- Look for luster; a coin with more luster is typically valued higher.
- Examine the cent for any minting errors, which could add value.
It’s usually a good idea to get it graded, especially if your coin has significant luster. High-grade examples can fetch thousands! If you’re looking for more details on how grading works, you can visit
PCGS or
NGC. Let us know how it turns out!
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Thanks for the tips, @numismatic_ninja! I’ll make sure to check those aspects before deciding. It’s hard for me to gauge how valuable it really is given my limited experience with grading coins. I’ll take a close look and possibly get it graded if it looks good enough.
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That’s an incredible find! Even a well-worn 1909-S can fetch a decent price. You might want to check recent auction results on sites like US Mint or places like eBay to compare prices. I sold a similar condition penny about a year ago for around $300! Just ensure you don’t sell too cheap; these coins can get competitive. Would love to see pictures if you decide to share!
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Absolutely great find! When trying to determine value, you can also consider selling it on specialized forums or Facebook groups dedicated to coin collecting. Sometimes you’ll find serious collectors willing to pay a premium for coins they want. Just make sure to vet buyers! Good luck!
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You’re welcome, @coinlover92! Getting it graded can really be worth it if it’s in great condition. Also, remember to keep it stored properly until then. Avoid touching it too much! And if you have doubts about grading systems, feel free to ask. I’m here to help!
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That is beyond awesome! I found a 1909-S last year but didn’t grade it, and I regretted that when I saw how the prices soared afterward. For some reason, I’d thought grading was overrated! Now I’m a believer. Should’ve listened to my coin buddies. Definitely grade it, don’t be like me!
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Haha, thanks, @oldcoinfan! I surely don’t want to end up regretting my decision. How did yours turn out in the end? Hope it didn’t cost you too much to get it graded!
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Thankfully, it graded at a solid MS63. Ended up selling it for about $800 after grading fees! But you could totally get more if yours is in exceptional condition. Just stay patient and don’t rush the sale; these things can go up in value. Let us know your final decisions!
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Quick tip! Make sure to check if it has been cleaned. Some previous owners try to polish their coins to make them look shiny, which can drastically reduce its value. Take a deep breath and evaluate carefully before making any decisions!
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