Hi all, I'm new to the forum, but not to collecting. I have a question that I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with. I was wondering if there's any diagnostic that would help me tell the difference between 1909-O and 1909-D Indian Half Eagles aside from the mintmark. Some of the D mintmarks I've seen frighteningly resemble O's when they have a little wear to them. Thanks in advance!!
Welcome! The problem with these incuse indian gold coins is that the mintmark is the only feature of the coin that is raised above the fields of the coin. So, like you mention, with even moderate wear, the mintmark is the one of the first parts of the coin to be worn away. Not sure of any diagnostics, but the best way to go is to study the shapes of the "O" and the "D" mintmarks on higher graded coins where you can see them well and you'll be able to better tell which is which on a lower grade. I can't tell you how many times I've had to look at a 1909 $5 for a minute or two just to make sure it was a "D" and not the "O" In fact, it's so hard to tell sometimes, that I know people who have bought 1909 $5 coins certified by the major grading companies as 1909-D $5 coins, when in fact they are 1909-O!!!! I've also heard stories of it going the other way too, having a 1909-O certified, when in fact the coin is a 1909-D. Have to be very careful given the value of the New Orleans coin... How about posting some pics if you can????
Thanks for your kind reply. If I had a coin, I would post a picture, but sadly I do not. I'm looking to acquire a 1909-O, but with all the confusion with the mintmarks and with even the TPG's making mistakes on it, I'm a little scared. That's why I'm hoping to find another diagnostic to tell the two issues apart. My conundrum is made worse as I cannot afford a high grade example of the 1909-O. I'm looking at more of a VF grade, and the mintmarks are quite bad in that range. Maybe I should just bite the bullet on a certified one and hope for the best.
No, I would hold off until you get a solid answer. You are definitely doing the right thing asking around. Though I can't answer your question, someone can and will. I consulted Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins"; it has no help. I would also encourage you to ask around at major shows for conclusive diagnostics. Good luck !
If you're looking for one of these in ANY grade, whether VF, XF or MS, I strongly recommend buying a certified example from one of the top companies (PCGS or NGC). Even if you learn of a diagnostic or are sure the coin you're looking at has the "O" on it, given the value of the 1909-O $5 it is a heavily counterfeited issue. But even in a certified holder, it'll be really tough to find a VF example that shows the "O" mintmark well... it can be hard to distinguish even on an AU example. I've passed on several AU examples that were priced right because they just didn't show the mintmark very clearly, even though I could tell it was an "O" and not a "D." I'm just not going to spend that sort of cash on a coin where I can hardly see the mintmark!!! Good luck in your search for one of these, but again, when having to spend maybe $2500 to $5000 for a nice VF example, it's probably worth the extra protection of a certified example by a company who will guarantee authenticity.
Thanks for the great replies and insight everyone!!! It's been very helpful. When I do go for it, I will make sure that I purchase an example certified by PCGS or NGC. I have to do a little research into which company has a better track record with 1909-O's. Maybe I should just get a 1916-S, then there will be no question as to mint hahahah
