The 1909-S/S S over Horizontal S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $200 in heavily worn condition to over $3,500 in pristine mint state. This rare variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a mistake made during the very first year the Lincoln Penny was ever minted.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $185 – $225 |
| Fine (F-12) | $250 – $320 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $400 – $550 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $900 – $1,400 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-65 Red) | $3,500+ |
Why the 1909-S/S S Over Horizontal S Wheat Penny is Special
If you have stumbled upon a jar of old cents, you might be holding a small fortune. In 1909, the United States Mint transitioned from the Indian Head design to the Lincoln Wheat Penny. In the chaos of this transition, several minting errors occurred at the San Francisco facility. One of the most famous is the “Re-punched Mintmark” (RPM), specifically the “S over Horizontal S.” This happened when a worker accidentally punched the “S” mintmark into the die sideways before correcting it with a vertical “S.”
Because this error occurred on the very first year of the Lincoln Cent, it holds a legendary status among “Lincoln Cent Redbook” collectors. Finding one in your pocket change is rare, but many people discover them in heirloom collections. To be sure you aren’t missing a hidden gem, using the best coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mintmark to see if that horizontal curve is visible behind the main letter.
Modern hobbyists often use tools like the CoinHix app to get instant valuations. This specific variety is much rarer than the standard 1909-S penny. While a standard 1909-S is valuable, the S/S variety commands a significant premium because it is a “cherrypicker” variety that requires a magnifying glass or a high-resolution camera to confirm.
How to Identify the Re-punched S over Horizontal S Mintmark
Identifying the 1909-S/S S over Horizontal S Wheat Penny requires a bit of detective work. You need to look specifically at the “S” mintmark located under the date “1909” on the obverse (front) of the coin. On a genuine S/S error, you will see parts of a horizontal “S” protruding from beneath the correctly oriented vertical “S.” Most commonly, you will see a small serif or a curve sticking out to the left or top of the main mintmark.
Since these coins are over 110 years old, wear and tear can make identification difficult. If the coin is very smooth, the error might be rubbed away. This is why professional grading is often recommended for this specific variety. Collectors look for “FS-501,” which is the attribution number for this specific re-punched mintmark.
If you aren’t sure if your coin has the error, you can compare it to high-resolution images found on the CoinHix mobile app. By comparing your coin’s mintmark position and shape to verified specimens, you can avoid the heartbreak of mistaking a simple scratch for a valuable mint error.
1909-S/S Wheat Penny Value by Condition
The value of your 1909-S/S Wheat Penny depends almost entirely on its “grade.” Grade refers to the amount of wear the coin has sustained over the last century. A coin that looks like it just came from the bank (Mint State) is worth thousands, while one that is heavily worn (Good or About Good) is worth much less.
| Grade Group | Technical Grade | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | VG-8 to VF-20 | $210 – $350 |
| About Uncirculated | AU-50 to AU-58 | $600 – $850 |
| Mint State (Brown) | MS-63 BN | $1,100 – $1,350 |
| Mint State (Red) | MS-64 RD | $2,800+ |
For those holding a high-quality specimen, check the 1909 S/S penny auction records and price trends to see how the market is moving. Generally, prices for rare key-date varieties like this one remain very stable, making them a “blue chip” investment in the numismatic world.
The Difference Between 1909-S/S and 1909-S VDB
It is common for new collectors to get confused between the different 1909 varieties. There are actually four main types of 1909 pennies from the San Francisco (S) mint. First is the standard 1909-S. Second is the 1909-S VDB (which has the designer’s initials on the back). Third is the 1909-S/S (the S over Horizontal S), and finally, there is the extremely rare 1909-S/S VDB.
The “VDB” stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the penny. While the 1909-S VDB is the most famous “Holy Grail” of pennies, the 1909-S/S (without VDB) is actually quite rare in its own right. Understanding the detailed historical significance of 1909 pennies helps you appreciate why these errors are so sought after. In 1909, the public complained about the size of the initials on the back, leading to their removal mid-year, which created these distinct categories we value today.
When you use CoinHix, you can filter through these varieties to ensure you aren’t misidentifying a common 1909 Philadelphia penny (which has no mintmark) for a San Francisco error. The presence of the “S” is mandatory for the horizontal error to exist.
Factors that Influence the Price of Your Wheat Penny
Aside from the error itself, the “color” of the copper is the biggest price driver for 1909-S/S pennies. Copper coins are graded as BN (Brown), RB (Red-Brown), or RD (Red). A “Red” coin looks like it was minted yesterday and carries a massive price premium. A “Brown” coin has oxidized over time; while still valuable, it lacks the visual pop collectors crave.
Surface preservation is also critical. If your coin has a scratch, a “staple scratch,” or has been cleaned with chemicals, the value can drop by 50% or more. Never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave micro-abrasions that professional graders like PCGS or NGC will spot instantly.
| Surface Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Original Mint Luster | Increases value significantly |
| Environmental Damage | Decreases value by 30-50% |
| Cleaned/Polished | Major deduction (Hard to sell) |
Where to Sell Your 1909-S/S Lincoln Cent
If you are lucky enough to own one of these, you shouldn’t just take it to a local pawn shop. Pawn shops often pay only a fraction of what a rare variety is worth. Instead, consider reputable coin dealers who specialize in Lincoln Cents or large auction houses like Heritage Auctions if the coin is in high-grade condition.
Before selling, it is a good idea to have the coin authenticated. Because the 1909-S/S is so valuable, there are many counterfeits or “added mintmarks” on the market. A real S over Horizontal S will have specific die markers—tiny scratches or “die cracks” that are unique to that specific production run. Expert collectors have mapped these out, and professional grading is the only way to guarantee the coin’s authenticity to a buyer.
Using tools like CoinHix can help you find recent “sold” prices on eBay and other marketplaces so you know exactly what a fair offer looks like. Knowledge is power when dealing with rare 20th-century American coinage.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1909-S is the S/S variety at home?
A: You will need a jeweler’s loupe or a digital microscope. Look at the “S” mintmark. If you see a distinct horizontal bar or “serif” protruding from the top or left of the “S,” you likely have the variety.
Q: Is the 1909-S/S more valuable than the 1909-S VDB?
A: Generally, no. The 1909-S VDB is the most famous and usually the most expensive. However, a high-grade 1909-S/S in “Red” condition can sometimes outsell a lower-grade S VDB.
Q: Does the VDB initials affect the price of the S over Horizontal S?
A: Yes. There are both VDB and Non-VDB versions of the S/S error. The 1909-S/S VDB is much rarer and can be worth significantly more, often exceeding $2,000 even in modest conditions.
Q: Should I get my 1909 penny graded by PCGS or NGC?
A: If the coin appears to be in “Extremely Fine” or better condition, or if you believe it is the S/S variety, yes. Grading provides a guarantee of authenticity which is vital for coins worth several hundred dollars.