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The 1909-S Lincoln Cent in Extra Fine condition is a highly desirable and historically significant coin, marking both the beginning of a beloved American series and the transition from classic to modern coinage. Issued during the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the 1909 Lincoln Cent was the first U.S. coin to depict a real historical figure—a monumental departure from allegorical designs used on previous issues. The series replaced the Indian Head cent, and its release stirred considerable excitement and controversy. The San Francisco Mint’s limited mintage of the 1909-S variety only added to its mystique, and over a century later, the coin remains a cornerstone for collectors of early Lincoln cents and 20th-century U.S. coinage.
President Theodore Roosevelt, a strong advocate for beautifying American coinage, played a crucial role in the creation of the Lincoln Cent. He commissioned Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor, to design the new cent. Brenner had previously created a medallion featuring Abraham Lincoln, which impressed Roosevelt and ultimately inspired the coin’s obverse. The U.S. Mint adopted this design, and after some minor modifications, it became the official face of the new one-cent piece. The Lincoln Cent was released into circulation on August 2, 1909, to immediate public enthusiasm. Lines formed at banks and Treasury offices as Americans rushed to obtain the new coin honoring the revered 16th President.
The obverse of the 1909 Lincoln Cent features a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed with remarkable detail and realism. The simplicity and dignity of Brenner’s portrait conveyed the solemn strength and humanity of Lincoln, winning praise from both the public and numismatists. The inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the top rim, “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln’s profile, and the date “1909” on the right. Beneath the date is the mintmark “S,” indicating that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The placement of the mintmark is subtle but essential, as the "S" significantly distinguishes this issue from its Philadelphia counterpart, which had a far higher mintage.
The reverse of the 1909-S Lincoln Cent features two stylized wheat ears bordering the central inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above is the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This reverse, often called the “Wheat Reverse” or “Wheat Ears Reverse,” was also designed by Brenner and used until 1958. It represents one of the most recognizable and nostalgic motifs in American coin collecting. Though simple in execution, the reverse’s symmetry and clarity helped it endure for nearly half a century. Combined with the obverse portrait, it gave the Lincoln Cent a timeless appeal that has contributed to its enduring popularity.
The 1909-S Lincoln Cent has long been one of the key dates in the Lincoln Cent series, not only because it was the inaugural year of the type but also because of its relatively low mintage. Only 1,825,000 coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, making it one of the lowest mintage issues in the series. Compared to the tens or hundreds of millions produced in subsequent years, this figure is exceptionally small. Many of the coins entered circulation and experienced heavy use, especially in the economically challenging years following their release. As a result, surviving examples in well-preserved conditions are far scarcer and considerably more valuable.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1909-S Lincoln Cent is an outstanding representative of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. Coins in this grade show only light wear on the highest points of the design, such as Lincoln’s cheek, jawline, and hair, while most of the details remain sharp and well-defined. The lettering, date, and mintmark are all clear and fully legible. On the reverse, the wheat ears retain most of their lines and definition, with just slight wear visible at the tops of the grains. The coin maintains a pleasing level of detail and integrity, making it highly desirable for collectors seeking examples with both historic significance and eye appeal.
Examples in Extra Fine condition often exhibit a warm, even color—typically a rich brown or chocolate tone—with traces of original red luster occasionally clinging to the protected areas of the design. While full red examples are typically seen in uncirculated grades, an XF 1909-S can still possess attractive surface quality with minimal distractions. Any contact marks or abrasions are usually faint and consistent with the amount of circulation expected for the grade. These coins often stand out for their overall balance of detail and originality, offering collectors a historically important coin at a more approachable price point than mint state specimens.
As the first branch mint issue of the Lincoln Cent series, the 1909-S holds a unique place in numismatic history. Its rarity, especially in higher circulated grades or better, makes it a cornerstone of any Lincoln Cent collection. Even those not aiming for a complete date-and-mintmark set often consider the 1909-S a “must-have” coin due to its role in the introduction of the Lincoln design and the enduring legacy of Victor D. Brenner’s artistry. It serves as a perfect historical link between the artistic aspirations of the early 1900s and the evolving landscape of American coinage in the modern era.
Collectors often pair the 1909-S with its even rarer sibling, the 1909-S VDB, which features Brenner’s initials prominently on the reverse. That version was quickly withdrawn following controversy over the prominence of the designer’s initials, making it one of the most famous key-date coins in American numismatics. The non-VDB 1909-S, however, remains vital in its own right, with higher survivability but still substantial scarcity. Its importance is magnified by its status as the only San Francisco-minted Lincoln Cent issued in 1909 without the VDB initials, further distinguishing it within the series.
The 1909-S Lincoln Cent in Extra Fine condition is a beautifully preserved example of a seminal issue in American coinage. It represents the convergence of historical tribute, artistic innovation, and practical design. With its strong detail, rich character, and clear mintmark, it captures the essence of early 20th-century minting and remains a tangible link to a period of great national pride and change. For collectors, historians, and admirers of American numismatics, it is not just a coin, but a piece of enduring legacy—still circulating in memory, if not in commerce.