The Barber Dime holds a special place in American history and coin collecting. These dimes minted between 1892 and 1916, come from a time of rapid change and prosperity in the United States, capturing the elegance of the late 19th century.
Today, certain Barber dimes are highly sought-after by collectors, with some rare coins fetching thousands—even millions—at auction!
Background on the Barber Dime
Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Barber dime was part of a series that also included a quarter and half-dollar. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, created this classic design in 1891, making the coins instantly recognizable.
Every Barber dime is made of 90% silver, which means each coin has value just in its silver content alone. Even worn Barber dimes usually fetch at least a few dollars. However, if you happen to own a rare Barber dime, it could be worth significantly more!
5 Barber Dimes with High Value
Let’s dive into some of the most valuable Barber dimes and see what makes each one so special.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime Proof
The 1894-S Barber dime proof is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. Only 24 of these coins were minted, and today, only about nine are believed to still exist. If you find one, it could be worth millions!
One sold in 2016 for nearly $2 million. There’s even a story about how one of these coins ended up in circulation when the daughter of a San Francisco Mint superintendent used one to buy ice cream on a hot day.
2. 1900 Barber Dime Proof
Although not as rare as the 1894-S, the 1900 Barber dime proof can still be quite valuable. Coins with a strong contrast between the design and background, known as “cameo” proofs, are especially prized. A pristine 1900 Barber dime proof sold for $66,000 in 2020, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
3. 1893-S Barber Dime
This coin is a “key date” for collectors, which means it’s highly sought-after due to its rarity and quality. The 1893-S Barber dime in an uncirculated state can be worth a lot. One in exceptional condition sold for over $63,000 in 2007, making it a prized coin for collectors who appreciate the striking detail of the business strike.
4. 1895-O Barber Dime
Minted in New Orleans, the 1895-O Barber dime is hard to come by, especially in mint condition. Many of the surviving coins from that year show signs of heavy circulation, which makes finding a well-preserved one even more exciting. A mint-state example of this coin sold for nearly $59,000 in 2017.
5. 1895 Barber Dime (Philadelphia Mint)
This no-mintmark dime struck in Philadelphia, is another rare find from 1895. Although it isn’t as rare as the New Orleans version, only about 690,000 were minted, making it a sought-after coin among collectors. In 2005, one in Superb Gem condition sold for $46,000.
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