1909-S 1C Indian Cent PCGS MS65RB (PHOTO SEAL & CAC)

Gem Unc (14: 4,5,5) RB 90%. Nearly full red. In fact, it would be full red, but the planchet has a bit of a woodgrain tone. Woodgrain tone is acceptable and sometimes desired by collectors. It does, however, keep a coin from being called full red. Woodgrain comes from a incomplete mix of copper and alloy. When the ingot of bronze is rolled out the areas off less alloy will tone quicker than the highly alloyed areas. The result is a pattern of toned and untoned lines in the planchet.

Interesting for this issue is the fact that the first three feather tips are always a bit indistinct. On other issues this would be a indication of a weaker strike. Not so here, as all 1909-S Indians show this feature. Notice that there is no weakness on the reverse. A sharp feather tip on a 1909-S is actually an indication that it may be an added mint mark.