Barber Dime (1892 - 1916) Price Guide & Values

The Barber Dime series, minted from 1892 to 1916, captures an era of American coinage that collectors treasure for its historical value and striking design.

Named after Charles E. Barber, the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver at the time, the Barber Dime offers variety, scarcity, and affordability, depending on the date, mint mark, and condition of the coin.

This guide dives into the essential details of Barber Dimes, covering values, key dates, and insights for collectors—whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just getting started.

Specifications and Design Features

The Barber Dime, also known as the Liberty Head Dime, has clear specifications that make it recognizable and collectible:

  • Composition: The coin consists of 90% silver and 10% copper, which gives it a weight of 2.5 grams.
  • Size: Each dime has a diameter of 17.9 millimeters.
  • Obverse (Front): The face of the coin shows Liberty with a laurel wreath and headband inscribed with "LIBERTY," representing peace and prosperity.
  • Reverse (Back): The reverse side reads "ONE DIME," encircled by a wreath.
  • Mint Marks: Mint marks (if any) are found on the reverse below the wreath. Philadelphia coins are unmarked, while “O” (New Orleans), “S” (San Francisco), and “D” (Denver) marks indicate different mints.

Mintages and Scarcity

The Barber Dime saw a range of mintages across its 25-year run, from millions of coins in some years to under a million in others. Here’s how mintages impact value:

  • High-Mintage Coins: Coins with high mintages, like those produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1907 and 1914, are generally more common and affordable.
  • Low-Mintage Coins: In contrast, certain years, especially those from the New Orleans and San Francisco mints, had low production numbers, making these coins scarce and valuable to collectors.

Key Dates and Their Values

Certain dates within the Barber Dime series stand out due to their rarity or collector demand. These coins are known as “key dates” and typically carry higher values:

  • 1894-S: Only 24 coins were minted, making this one of the rarest dimes in U.S. history. A coin in Mint State condition can exceed $1 million.
  • 1895-O and 1896-S: With low mintages and high collector demand, these New Orleans and San Francisco coins are highly sought after. Even in lower grades, they command prices in the hundreds, while Mint State coins can be worth several thousand.
  • 1901-S: Another valuable date, with a mintage of just 593,022. In Good condition, this coin can sell for several hundred dollars, while higher grades can go for $1,000 or more.
  • 1913-S: The 1913-S Barber Dime, with only 510,000 minted, is also a top collectible. Prices for circulated coins start at around $100, and Mint State examples can exceed $3,000.

These key dates are highly desirable for their scarcity and historical significance, often serving as the crown jewels in Barber Dime collections.

Common Dates and Average Values

Many Barber Dimes have higher mintages and are thus more affordable for collectors. Below are approximate values for common dates across different grades:

  • Good (G-4): $4 - $6
  • Fine (F-12): $10 - $20
  • Very Fine (VF-20): $20 - $40
  • Extremely Fine (EF-40): $40 - $60
  • Mint State (MS-60): $100 - $200

These prices may vary, especially for coins with exceptional eye appeal or near-Mint State condition.

Grading Barber Dimes

The value of a Barber Dime heavily depends on its grade, which reflects the coin's wear and overall condition. Grading follows a scale from Good (G-4) to Mint State (MS-65):

  • Good (G-4): Heavy wear; main outlines, such as Liberty’s head, are visible.
  • Very Good (VG-8): Moderate wear, but features like the wreath and headband are recognizable.
  • Fine (F-12): Details on Liberty’s face and wreath are worn but still visible.
  • Very Fine (VF-20): Light wear; more intricate details are apparent on Liberty’s hair and the wreath.
  • Extremely Fine (EF-40): Minimal wear, sharp detailing on most parts of Liberty's head.
  • About Uncirculated (AU-50): Almost no wear, with just slight traces on high points.
  • Mint State (MS-60 and above): No wear; original luster may be fully or partially intact.

Grading is essential for assessing Barber Dime value. Well-defined, minimally worn coins hold greater appeal and value, especially among collectors seeking high-grade examples.

Errors and Varieties

Barber Dimes have several notable errors and varieties that add interest and value:

  • Doubled Die Errors: Parts of the date or lettering appear doubled, making these coins valuable and exciting for collectors.
  • Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): When the mint mark is stamped more than once, a shadow effect is created.
  • Die Cracks and Cuds: These imperfections, where parts of the die break, create raised lines or patches. Depending on the severity, they can increase a coin’s value.

Error coins are popular among collectors, with values depending on the error type, rarity, and coin condition.

Pricing Guide by Grade and Year

Values for Barber Dimes depend on the year, mint mark, and grade. Here’s a general range for Barber Dimes across various conditions:

  • Good (G-4): $4 - $10 for common dates; $100+ for key dates.
  • Fine (F-12): $10 - $50 for common dates; $200 - $800 for key dates.
  • Very Fine (VF-20): $20 - $60 for common dates; $400+ for key dates.
  • Extremely Fine (EF-40): $40 - $100 for common dates; over $1,000 for key dates.
  • Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65): $100 - $500 for common dates, while key dates in Mint State often exceed $5,000.

Specific prices fluctuate based on market trends and silver prices, but these figures serve as a baseline for collectors.

Investment Potential and Market Trends

Barber Dimes offer collectors and investors a way to own a piece of history with value that can appreciate over time. Key dates and high-grade examples tend to hold strong investment appeal due to their rarity and desirability. Factors influencing Barber Dime values include:

  • Silver Prices: Since Barber Dimes are primarily silver, their intrinsic value is affected by silver market changes.
  • Condition and Rarity: Well-preserved, low-mintage coins generally appreciate the most over time.
  • Collector Demand: Interest in early 20th-century U.S. coins supports a healthy market, especially for Barber Dimes with key dates and error varieties.

Barber Dimes may not fluctuate wildly in value, but they offer a steady investment option with good long-term potential.

Conclusion and Collecting Tips

The Barber Dime series provides a rewarding mix of affordability, challenge, and historical interest for collectors. Here are a few tips to consider:

  • Choose Reputable Sellers: Avoid counterfeit risks by buying from certified dealers or reputable auction sites.
  • Prioritize Eye Appeal: Coins with clear details, minimal scratches, and good color often fetch higher prices.
  • Budget Wisely: Many Barber Dimes are affordable, but be mindful when purchasing high-grade or key-date examples.
  • Watch for Key Dates and Errors: Collecting coins with unique characteristics can add value and interest to your collection.

Building a Barber Dime collection is an exciting way to connect with American history while potentially making a solid investment.

Each coin tells a story from its era, making this series a favorite among numismatists. With some patience and attention to detail, your collection can become a source of pride and possibly a sound investment.

Barber Dimes were minted throughout the following years:

1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916.


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