Indian Head Cent 1909 G-VG

In 1909, prohibitionists continued to destroy saloons. They believed that alcohol destroyed families. The prohibitionists leader, Carry Nation, vowed to close every “hell-hole” in Kansas. Many states saw sympathy in their arguments and banned drinking altogether. Although some parts of the country would be seen as backwards looking by future historians, other Americans continued to look forward as explorers. Commander Robert Peary is credited as the first person to reach the North Pole. Others tried to take this title from him at the time, but their claims were later dismissed. The year 1909 also marked the end of the Indian Head cent, one of the United States’ most beloved presidents, Lincoln, would take Liberty’s place.

This was a very low mintage year for the Indian Head cent as the design would change completely in the middle of the year. Only 14 million 1909 Indian Head cents were struck. The US Mint also changed its process for striking cents this year. Instead of striking the date after the obverse had already been struck, the entire entire design with the date would be sunk into the die at one time. This would eliminate the repunched date varieties, from now on any doubling would be considered a double die. Many people saved this coin, as it was the final year of the Indian Head cent, but the Lincoln cent of 1909 is actually 100 times more common than the Indian Head cent of this year.

This was a high mintage year for the Indian Head cents and collectors should have no problem finding problem free examples. Although, deep mirror cameos are difficult to find. There were in fact three proof issues this year: the Indian Head cent, Lincoln cent with VDB initials, and Lincoln cent without VDB initials. This has caused a slightly higher demand for this date, relative to others. This year does not have any repunche date varieties for reasons already mentioned. There are two double die varieties known, both involving the designer’s initial “L”, but are relatively common and not very popular. If you have any questions regarding the Indian Head Cent or varieties, please contact any of our knowledgeable staff at 800-735-1311, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

• Denomination: Cent
• Year: 1909
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: 1.5 mm
• Grade: Ungraded