Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of Lincoln pennies lately, and the 1909-S has really caught my attention—mostly due to all the hype surrounding it. I recently picked up a moderately graded one (VG-8), and I must admit, while it does have its historical significance, I’m not entirely convinced it’s worth all the fuss.
From what I’ve seen in forums and auction sites, prices are going through the roof, and I wonder if it’s justified. My research points out the small mintage vs. the demand, which certainly plays into its desirability. However, I feel like some collectors might be swept up in the buzz rather than examining the coin objectively. Is it really packing as much value as everyone claims, or are certain aspects of it being exaggerated?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Is anyone else feeling skeptical about its worth? Have you had a chance to own one, and what’s your take on its condition versus price? Let’s chat about our personal experiences with it and see if there’s a consensus on its hype or if it deserves its status as the holy grail of pennies!
The 1909-S penny definitely deserves a discussion! It’s notable for its rarity, being one of the first years of the Lincoln series, with a mintage of only 484,000. However, pricing can be a double-edged sword. While some may argue that its historical context elevates its value, I believe the market has inflated its price due to sheer hype. For instance, there are other coins from that era that are just as significant but don’t command nearly the same price.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Mintage: The small supply is a classic driver of rarity.
- Demand: The cultural impact of Lincoln as a figure.
- Condition: A pristine example, say graded at MS-65, would fetch a premium, but most in circulation won’t.
From my experience, owning one in lower grades (like your VG-8) might not justify the investment depending on the market trend. Interested in hearing your thoughts on how this plays out in your collection!
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I totally agree, @coinexpert101! Rarity does factor heavily into value, but the speculative nature of coin collecting can lead to inflated prices for coins like the 1909-S penny. I recently sold a VG-8 version, and while it was exciting, I didn’t feel it really held as much aesthetic value as some other rarities. It’s all about finding that balance between what collectors are willing to pay versus actual historical significance. Anyone else feel this way?
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The hype is real! I’ve seen some go for insane amounts lately. I’m new to this hobby, but I picked up a pretty worn 1909-S at a local shop recently just to see what the fuss was about. It might not be the best example, but the history is amazing. Maybe the hype helps keep the passion alive? Just a thought!
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@coins4days Totally get that! The historical significance is a huge part of the charm. But have you tried grading it? Sometimes the grade can really make a difference in resale value, even if the condition is lower.
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In my opinion: It’s more about the right collector valuing it at the right time. I’ve invested in a few lower-graded 1909-S pennies because I see potential, especially if they’re kept in good condition. Have any of you heard about the recent auctions? A F-12 sold for over $20,000! That’s crazy! PCGS has some great insights on pricing trends if anyone wants to check it out. 
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I think the 1909-S is indeed overhyped to some extent. Yes, it’s rare, but there are many other pennies that just fly under the radar. It’s a hot topic for discussion, but don’t get caught up in the frenzy! Make sure your collection reflects what you genuinely love. A friend of mine once dumped a ton of money into a rare coin that didn’t mean much to him. Now he’s regretting it! 
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@coinloversclub Well said! Collecting should be about passion, not just profit. The market can shift so quickly, and you don’t want to be left holding the bag. What coins do you personally find undervalued? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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You guys bring up great points! The market feels volatile these days. I read an article suggesting that coins with a slight tarnish can actually sell better at auctions because of their character. Have you found this to be true in your experiences? Might be wise for me to keep an eye on those kinds during my rounds!
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Great topic, @coincollector88! I personally feel like coins from lesser-known series can be a great investment. Have you explored the Indian Head penny series? They have beautiful designs and can sometimes be found at reasonable prices.
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Still learning about grading costs, @coinhunter92! I just submitted my first coin for grading, and I’m already overwhelmed. 
Any tips on how to approach it without losing too much money?
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@philatelic_mike I feel you! Grading can be tricky. Make sure you choose a reputable service like NGC or PCGS for the most reliable results. And always research your coins before submitting! Know if they’re worth the grading fees. Good luck!
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I love the 1909-S penny! Sure, it’s getting some media attention lately, but it’s justified. The history tied to it is priceless. On top of that, as a collector, having it in my lot just feels good. The value is what you give it in your collection! Anyone else has similar feelings?
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