The Barber dime is a renowned coin from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Produced between 1892 and 1916, it was the dime of the Gilded Age and the early Art Deco period, a time marked by economic growth and transformation in the United States. Certain years of the Barber dime are particularly rare or highly sought after, with some reaching values of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.
Key Information
The Barber dime is named after Charles E. Barber, who served as the Chief Engraver at the United States Mint. He designed the dime in 1891, along with designs for a quarter and a half dollar coin.
Most Valuable Barber Dimes
Each Barber dime is made from 90% silver, giving it an intrinsic melt value. Even coins in worn condition are typically worth at least four dollars due to their silver content. However, there are specific dates in the Barber dime series that can command high prices among collectors.
| Barber Dime | Value |
|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime Proof | $1,997,500.00 |
| 1900 Barber Dime Proof | $66,000.00 |
| 1893-S Barber Dime | $63,250.00 |
| 1895-O Barber Dime | $58,755.88 |
| 1895 Barber Dime | $46,000.00 |
1894-S Barber Dime Proof
The 1894-S Barber dime proof is considered one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. Estimates suggest that only around 24 were initially minted, but today, only eight or nine are known to exist. Coins in good condition can fetch astounding prices at auction, with one selling for an impressive $1,997,500 in 2016.
An intriguing story accompanies this coin. According to legend, Hallie Daggett, the daughter of San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett, was given three of these rare dimes by her father, with instructions to keep them for their future value. However, while walking home on a hot day, Hallie stopped at an ice cream stand and spent one of the dimes on a treat, thus releasing it into circulation.
Quick Tip
So, what distinguishes a Barber dime proof from a regular business strike dime? The key difference lies in the coin’s quality. Proofs are struck with higher precision, resulting in shinier surfaces and sharper, more detailed designs. These coins are considered the highest quality produced by the Mint.
1900 Barber Dime Proof
While not as rare or valuable as the 1894-S Barber dime, the 1900 Barber dime proof still holds significant value, especially if it features a noticeable cameo or a striking contrast between the design and background. These coins are particularly prized in high-quality condition. For instance, one in pristine condition sold for $66,000 in 2020.
1893-S Barber Dime
In some cases, a business strike coin can be just as, if not more, valuable than a proof coin. This is true for the 1893-S Barber dime, which is already a “key date” for collectors. When in uncirculated condition with a Superb Gem strike, its value increases significantly. A high-quality example of this coin fetched $63,250 at auction in 2007.
1895-O Barber Dime
The 1895-O Barber dime is one of the rarest and hardest-to-find coins from the series, primarily due to the limited number minted that year. It’s particularly challenging for collectors to find this New Orleans-minted dime in mint condition, as many of the surviving coins were circulated in the South. In 2017, a mint state example of this dime sold for $58,755.88 at auction.
1895 Barber Dime
While not as elusive as the 1895-O dime, the 1895 Barber dime struck in Philadelphia is also exceptionally rare. With only around 690,000 minted, it is one of the most difficult Barber dimes to collect from the Philadelphia Mint. A mint state Superb Gem example of this coin fetched $46,000 at auction in 2005.
1916 Barber Dime: Not a Rarity
While the Barber dime was widely circulated, it is not considered a rarity, especially in comparison to other years. In 1916, a new Mint Director took office and aimed to replace the Barber dime with a new design that would no longer contain silver. However, the new design wasn’t ready for production in time, so the Barber dime continued to be minted that year. Over 18 million Barber dimes were issued in 1916, making them far more common than those from other years in the series.
Check Your Collection for Rare Barber Dimes
If you have Barber dimes in your coin collection, it’s worth checking for rarer years, such as 1893, 1894, and 1895, which are harder to find. Additionally, pay close attention to any dimes in excellent condition, especially if they haven’t been circulated. These coins not only make for an exciting addition to any collection but also provide a fascinating look into the history and culture at the turn of the 20th century.
FAQs
1. What makes Barber dimes so valuable?
Barber dimes are valuable due to their rarity, especially certain key dates and mintmarks. Coins in mint condition or with unique characteristics like proofs or high-quality strikes can fetch significant amounts.
2. Which Barber dime is the most expensive?
The 1894-S Barber dime proof is the most expensive, with one example selling for nearly $2 million in 2016.
3. How can I tell if my Barber dime is worth more?
To determine value, check the year, mintmark, and condition of your dime. Rare years, mintmarks like “S” or “O,” and coins in uncirculated or proof condition are typically more valuable.
4. Are all Barber dimes worth five figures?
No, not all Barber dimes are worth five figures. However, rare dates like the 1894-S, 1895-O, and 1900 proof can reach high values, especially in excellent condition.