I think it looks much better then a VF30. You can still see the beard in mine and more hair details. There are no major scratches and all letters are in great condition. I could see XF40-45 comparing to what is in the photo grade.
I also see it as an XF40. With that, $150-$160. Nice coin. I'd be happy to have that one in my Whitman, @5150rider707
I know, I know..."he's back". I do not have the piece in hand, so.... I question authenticity. It could be simply wear, but I do not observe a die chip, and thicker middle appears enhanced. There is also (to me) an appearance of the robust middle being 'accentuated. I also realize that crud can accumulate around the mm, but this piece has an over distinction of crud when compared to the rest of the reverse and obverse piece. This is a diagnostic of glue. However, if genuine, and I am addressing a technical evaluation of condition, $90 wholesale uncertified. As to "market", the wholesale as recently as March was trading on the Bourse @ $75-$80. PS: don't throw cents at me. At my age, I am subject to easy bruising, even from very light projectiles.
If you are satisfied there is not glue, that is all that matters. The rest of my thoughts, I will HODL, since I have not physically evaluated the piece.
Although I agree that your 1909-S is closer to XF than VF you can’t really compare a 1909 in XF with almost any coin from the 1920’s. The dies from most years in the 20’s were badly worn, making MS coins look like XF due to lack of detail. This 1928-S is MS63, but with hair detail closer to your 1909-S.
