Marking the first U.S. coin minted outside of Philadelphia, the 1908 S Indian Head penny is a historic coin that is highly sought after by coin collectors today. Due to extreme demand for small coins, the U.S. Government allowed for the San Francisco mint to mass produce the 1908 S Indian Head penny. These coins are distinguishable from Philadelphia minted coins by the small S featured on the front of the coin.
Changes in the U.S. Mint
The San Francisco Mint was first constructed in 1854, in order to serve the gold mines that popped up during the California Gold Rush. Due to incredible amounts of gold coming into production, the San Francisco mint quickly grew into a new building in 1874. During the infamous 1906 earthquake, the San Francisco Mint was one of the few buildings to survive, and still stands to this day - although production at that location ceased in 1937. The building is nicknamed “The Granite Lady,” despite being built out of sandstone.
1908 S Indian Head Penny Values
As the first ever penny produced in San Francisco, this coin can fetch a collector some major coin. The average cost for one of these rare coins is almost a hundred dollars, and mint condition 1908 S Indian Head pennies are worth a few hundred dollars. With relatively low minting numbers, finding one of these rare and valuable pennies is truly a collector’s dream.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1908
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 3,000,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Face value: One Cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Diameter: 19 millimeters