I know the pic isn't isn't the best but I wanted to see if anyone could tell me if this looks like a genuine S mint mark and the grade.
Hmm I'm leery. The second 9 looks altered. Compare to the first 9. Second 9 looks wider, like maybe it was an 8. The S looks ok but definitely worried about the second 9. Look closer and maybe better pics? Think of what an 8 would look like if changed to a 9. I'm not 100% sure based on the pics though.
I agree the second 9 looks a little funny but that doesn't mean it's been altered. Check on ebay and compare it with other 1909 S IHC's. also wait for more experienced members to give their opinion. Don't know if Rick Snow is a member of Coin Talk. If you go to his website send a picture of the coin to him.
Here's some better lit pics. I think the second nine is normally shaped different based on other examples I saw on eBay. Here's a pic of my 08S as well for reference.
The reason I ask is because it was sold to me with a bunch of culls and common dates as though it had no value. The seller seemed to have some understanding of numismatics and key dates, but I think maybe he thought only the early years were the valuable ones. I'm excited that this may indeed be genuine given the circumstances of the aquisition.
I believe that the 1909 s IHC had the date made with the die and not punched in after. This could explain the difference in the 9s. I think it looks real. I also believe there are no varieties of this cent so if you compare it with a known good they should be the same. No RPDs
I haven't done much work with the Indianhead Cent. I don't know how many reverse dies were used in the production of the 1909-S Indianhead Cent. I have mapped two different unverified possible locations thus far. Anyway I overlaid this map onto the OP's coin. Everything looks OK except the actual design doesn't appear very crisp and sharp. Some of the design devices look to be somewhat mushy/oversized. An indication of a possible transfer die counterfeit. I wouldn't risk purchasing the coin but if I just happened to own it - such is the case for the OP - I would spend the money to have it authenticated. I also overlaid the OP's 1908-S Indianhead.
