Owner Comments:
1909 is a key date for the 20th Century Dineros, just as it is for the 1/2 Dinero and 1/5 Sol series. Examples in any grade show up only infrequently, and mint state coins are very scarce, often not appearing in any given 12 month period. Semi-PL surfaces appear to be the norm.
My coin is tied with two other examples in MS 63 at NGC. There are four better, one in 64 at PCGS , one in 64 at NGC, and one at each service in 65. NGC also has an MS 61.
Flatt lists only the regular 1909 with no period beneath the "O" in DINO, and a 1909/9 with a period. I have only seen "no period" coins thus far. Krause adds an FG/FF and an FG/FO. No mention is given of the more likely FG/JF, frequently seen on Dineros of 1907-1916; indeed my specimen is an FG/JF, not specified by NGC. I am skeptical of both under-letterings in Krause, and NGC has not graded any of these varieties. Regardless, there is no price premium for any variety.
The set specimen is an easy 63. Semi-PL fields glow on each side. Ms. Liberty is frosted, creating a nice Cameo effect. Most of the marks on the coin are not contact, but die polish lines and die scratches. The date appears to be slightly re-punched. No period beneath "O" in DINO.