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Message:: [QUOTE="illini420, post: 823540, member: 19423"]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!!! <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /> 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.[/QUOTE]