While cleaning out a 19th-century hope chest in New Orleans, a family came across an old leather coin pouch containing several vintage dimes. One coin, in particular, caught their eye — an 1895-O Barber Dime, with a distinct “O” mintmark from the New Orleans Mint. Experts authenticated the coin and graded it AU58, leading to its record-setting sale for $97,500 at auction. The find shocked collectors and renewed focus on this underrated and rare series.
What Is a Barber Dime?
The Barber Dime is a ten-cent coin issued by the U.S. Mint between 1892 and 1916. It’s named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, who also created the Barber Quarter and Half Dollar. The coin’s obverse features a classical Liberty head wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath, while the reverse showcases a simple wreath encircling the words “ONE DIME.”
Barber Dimes were produced in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, and San Francisco, with certain years and mintmarks now considered highly collectible.
Why the 1895-O Barber Dime Is So Valuable
The 1895-O is the rarest date in the Barber dime series for several reasons:
- Only 440,000 coins were minted — the lowest mintage of any business strike Barber dime
- Most were heavily circulated, with very few surviving in high grades
- Even worn examples fetch $1,000–$2,000, and uncirculated coins are almost never seen
The coin discovered in New Orleans was one of the finest known examples, contributing to its five-figure sale price.
Barber Dime Value Guide
Here’s a breakdown of average values for select Barber Dimes across conditions:
| Date & Mint | Grade (F12) | Grade (AU58) | Grade (MS65) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1895-O | $1,200 | $27,000 | $100,000+ |
| 1894-O | $100 | $650 | $3,500 |
| 1901-S | $300 | $2,800 | $15,000 |
| 1903 | $15 | $65 | $200 |
| 1913-D | $10 | $55 | $180 |
Values are approximate and vary based on luster, strike, and market trends.
How to Spot a Rare Barber Dime
To determine whether your Barber Dime is valuable, look for the following:
- Mintmark location: Below the wreath on the reverse side
- Low mintage years like 1895-O, 1901-S, or 1896-S
- Even wear or original surfaces (cleaning drastically lowers value)
- Full Liberty on the headband — a key sign of a well-struck coin
- Grading certification from PCGS or NGC
Why Collectors Love Barber Dimes
The Barber Dime series is a collector’s favorite for several reasons:
- Challenging key dates make it rewarding for advanced collectors
- Clean, classic design by Charles E. Barber
- Affordable common-date coins allow easy entry for new collectors
- It bridges the gap between Seated Liberty and Mercury Dimes
- Rich American minting history from four different mints
Whether pursuing a full-date set or hunting key rarities, Barber Dimes are timeless.
Conclusion
The story of the 1895-O Barber Dime found in a family chest is a powerful reminder that old coins can hold extraordinary value — both historically and monetarily. With its classical design, historical context, and elusive rarities, the Barber Dime continues to be a prized collectible in the U.S. coin community. Check your drawers, pouches, and inherited coin folders — because one dime could change everything.
FAQs
What is the rarest Barber Dime?
The 1895-O Barber Dime is considered the rarest regular-issue coin in the series, especially in higher uncirculated grades.
Are Barber Dimes made of silver?
Yes. Barber Dimes are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver content of 0.07234 troy ounces.
How can I tell what mint made my Barber Dime?
Look at the reverse bottom of the coin for a mintmark:
- No mintmark = Philadelphia
- “O” = New Orleans
- “S” = San Francisco
- “D” (1912 only) = Denver