Description
The 1908-S Indian Head Cent holds a special place in American numismatics as the first Indian Head cent ever struck at the San Francisco Mint, marking a significant expansion in U.S. coin production. With a low mintage of only 1.1 million coins, it is one of the key semi-key dates in the series and is highly sought after by collectors aiming to complete a full Indian Head cent collection.
Coin Details:
Issuer: United States Mint
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Year of Issue: 1908
Denomination: One Cent
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Weight: 3.11 g
Diameter: 19.05 mm
Edge: Plain
Designer: James B. Longacre
Mint Mark: S (located below the wreath on the reverse)
Design Features:
Obverse: Features the iconic portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, designed by James B. Longacre, with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the date “1908.”
Reverse: Displays a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” with the “S” mintmark just below the wreath.
Historical Significance:
The Indian Head cent was struck from 1859 to 1909 and is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully designed small cents in U.S. history. The 1908-S marked a major milestone as it was the first time a one-cent coin was produced outside of Philadelphia, making it a historic issue in both numismatic and minting history.
Highlights:
First San Francisco Mint Indian Head cent
Low mintage: Only 1,115,000 coins produced
Highly desirable for type sets and key date collections
Strong collector demand due to its scarcity and historical importance
The 1908-S Indian Head Cent is an essential acquisition for serious collectors of early U.S. coinage or those building a complete Indian Head set.
📦 Secure, Archival Packaging | 🏅 Authentic San Francisco Mint Key Date | 🔎 Highly Collectible and Historically Significant
Add a landmark coin to your collection with the 1908-S Indian Head Cent—the first of its kind from San Francisco.
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