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1909-S S/S Horizontal S

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Variety
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-430

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About this coinHistory
1909-S S/S Horizontal Repunched Mintmark

Repunched mintmark: horizontal S visible beneath the corrected S.

The 1909-S S/S Horizontal S variety shows a repunched mintmark: the S was first entered into the die rotated approximately 90 degrees (horizontal) and then corrected with a properly oriented S punched over it. The remnant of the horizontal S is visible around the correctly positioned mintmark, creating a distinctive doubled-S appearance.

Mintmarks on early Lincoln cents were hand-punched into each working die individually, a process that invited errors. The engraver who placed the S for this die initially rotated the punch, realized the mistake, and corrected it. Both impressions are permanently embedded in the die. The variety is recognized by PCGS and NGC, and certified examples carry a premium over the standard 1909-S.

The repunched mintmark is identifiable under magnification on coins in Fine or better condition, where the mintmark area retains enough detail to show both S impressions. The horizontal orientation of the initial S is the key diagnostic: instead of the S standing upright, the ghost image lies on its side. The variety adds a die-error dimension to an already semi-key date.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What is a 1909-S S/S Horizontal S Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1909-S S/S Horizontal S Lincoln Wheat Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1909-S S/S Horizontal S Lincoln Wheat Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.