The Barber Dime, minted from 1892 to 1916, is one of the most collectible coins in U.S. history. Designed by Charles E. Barber, it features Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, with the reverse displaying a simple yet elegant “ONE DIME” inscription surrounded by a wreath.
While some Barber Dimes are common, certain dates and mintmarks are incredibly rare and valuable. Whether due to low mintage numbers, survival rates, or unique errors, these dimes can fetch thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars in auctions.
If you’re a collector or investor, these 13 Barber Dimes are the ones to watch for!
Table of Contents
- 1 1894-S Barber Dime
- 2 1895-O Barber Dime
- 3 1896-O Barber Dime
- 4 1893-O Barber Dime
- 5 1901-S Barber Dime
- 6 1903-S Barber Dime
- 7 1913-S Barber Dime
- 8 1892-S Barber Dime
- 9 1904-S Barber Dime
- 10 1915-S Barber Dime
- 11 1897-O Barber Dime
- 12 1914-D Barber Dime
- 13 1909-D Barber Dime
- 14 Why Are These Barber Dimes Valuable?
- 15 How to Identify a Valuable Barber Dime
- 16 Table – 13 Barber Dime Values to Watch For
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only 24 were minted, and just nine are known to exist today. Theories suggest they were struck as gifts for bankers or used in a test run at the San Francisco Mint.
Also Read: The 10 Most Valuable Capped Bust Dimes
- Why It’s Valuable: Extremely low mintage and legendary status.
- Value: $1.5 million – $2 million in top condition.
1895-O Barber Dime
The 1895-O Barber Dime is one of the key rarities of the series due to its low mintage of 440,000. Finding one in uncirculated condition is nearly impossible, as most were heavily circulated.
- Why It’s Valuable: Very few exist in high grades.
- Value: $25,000 – $100,000, depending on condition.
1896-O Barber Dime
The New Orleans Mint struck only 610,000 dimes in 1896, making this one of the tougher Barber Dimes to find, especially in higher grades.
- Why It’s Valuable: Low survival rate and high collector demand.
- Value: $10,000 – $50,000 for well-preserved examples.
1893-O Barber Dime
With a mintage of just 1.7 million, the 1893-O Barber Dime is not as rare as the 1894-S or 1895-O, but it’s still a key date for collectors.
- Why It’s Valuable: Scarcity in high grades.
- Value: $5,000 – $35,000, depending on condition.
1901-S Barber Dime
The San Francisco Mint produced only 593,022 dimes in 1901, making this one of the lower-mintage coins of the series. High-grade examples are incredibly rare.
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare in uncirculated condition.
- Value: $8,000 – $40,000.
1903-S Barber Dime
The 1903-S Barber Dime had a mintage of 613,300, making it a sought-after piece, especially in higher conditions.
- Why It’s Valuable: Limited availability in uncirculated condition.
- Value: $6,000 – $30,000.
1913-S Barber Dime
With just 510,000 dimes minted, the 1913-S Barber Dime is one of the scarcest dates in the series. Few have survived in good condition.
- Why It’s Valuable: Very low mintage and high collector demand.
- Value: $12,000 – $45,000 for mint-state coins.
1892-S Barber Dime
As the first year of issue for the series, the 1892-S holds significance for collectors. With only 990,710 minted, it’s an early rarity.
- Why It’s Valuable: First-year minting and historic appeal.
- Value: $4,000 – $25,000, depending on grade.
1904-S Barber Dime
The 1904-S Barber Dime is another San Francisco Mint rarity with a mintage of just 800,000.
- Why It’s Valuable: Low availability in higher grades.
- Value: $5,000 – $20,000 in top condition.
1915-S Barber Dime
With just 960,000 minted, the 1915-S Barber Dime is one of the last of the series and remains scarce today.
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage and demand among final-year collectors.
- Value: $5,000 – $18,000.
1897-O Barber Dime
The 1897-O Barber Dime had a mintage of 666,000, making it another New Orleans Mint rarity.
- Why It’s Valuable: Hard to find in high grades.
- Value: $4,500 – $17,000.
1914-D Barber Dime
The Denver Mint did not strike many Barber Dimes, and the 1914-D is one of the toughest to find.
Also Read: The Top 10 Most Elusive and Rare Coins in the World
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage and demand from Denver Mint collectors.
- Value: $4,000 – $15,000.
1909-D Barber Dime
Another Denver Mint issue, the 1909-D Barber Dime had a relatively low mintage of 954,000.
- Why It’s Valuable: Difficult to find in uncirculated condition.
- Value: $3,000 – $12,000.
Why Are These Barber Dimes Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these Barber Dimes:
- Low Mintage Numbers: Many of these dimes had very limited production runs.
- Survival Rate: Many Barber Dimes were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples extremely rare.
- Mintmark Rarity: Coins from New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D) tend to be more valuable.
- Collector Demand: Key dates are always in demand by serious numismatists.
- Historical Significance: As one of the last 19th-century dime designs, Barber Dimes hold special appeal.
How to Identify a Valuable Barber Dime
If you think you may have a valuable Barber Dime, follow these steps:
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: Rare dates and mint locations matter.
- Look at the Condition: Higher grades (uncirculated or lightly worn) are worth more.
- Verify the Authenticity: Some rare Barber Dimes have been counterfeited, so professional grading is recommended.
- Research Market Prices: Check recent auction results to estimate value.
Table – 13 Barber Dime Values to Watch For
Coin | Mint | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|---|
1894-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Only 24 minted, legendary rarity | $1.5M – $2M |
1895-O Barber Dime | New Orleans | Extremely rare in high grades | $25,000 – $100,000 |
1896-O Barber Dime | New Orleans | Low survival rate, collector demand | $10,000 – $50,000 |
1893-O Barber Dime | New Orleans | Scarce in high grades | $5,000 – $35,000 |
1901-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Rare in uncirculated condition | $8,000 – $40,000 |
1903-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Limited availability in high grades | $6,000 – $30,000 |
1913-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Very low mintage, highly sought | $12,000 – $45,000 |
1892-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | First-year issue, historic appeal | $4,000 – $25,000 |
1904-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Hard to find in high grades | $5,000 – $20,000 |
1915-S Barber Dime | San Francisco | Low mintage, last-year issue | $5,000 – $18,000 |
1897-O Barber Dime | New Orleans | Scarce in uncirculated grades | $4,500 – $17,000 |
1914-D Barber Dime | Denver | Rare Denver Mint issue | $4,000 – $15,000 |
1909-D Barber Dime | Denver | Hard to find in uncirculated condition | $3,000 – $12,000 |
Barber Dimes are among the most collectible and historically significant U.S. coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, these 13 key dates are worth watching for. If you ever come across an old dime in your collection, check its date—it could be worth a fortune!
FAQs
What makes a Barber Dime valuable?
Factors like low mintage, survival rate, mintmark rarity, and condition determine a Barber Dime’s value.
Which Barber Dime is the most valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the rarest and most valuable, with examples selling for over $1.5 million.
How can I tell if my Barber Dime is rare?
Check the date and mintmark (S, O, or D mints are often more valuable), and assess its condition for wear.
Where can I sell a valuable Barber Dime?
You can sell through coin dealers, auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers), and online marketplaces like eBay.
Are all Barber Dimes worth collecting?
While some are common, key dates like the 1895-O, 1896-O, and 1913-S are highly valuable and sought after.