The Barber dime, named for designer Charles E. Barber, chief engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, was introduced in 1892 as part of a redesign that gave the dime, quarter, and half dollar a common Liberty Head motif. The obverse shows Liberty facing right in a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath with LIBERTY on a headband; the reverse carries a wreath around ONE DIME. (Unlike the quarter and half, the dime’s obverse has no stars, and there was no room for IN GOD WE TRUST, so it was omitted.)
Key facts
- Designed by: Charles E. Barber
- Issue dates: 1892–1916
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight: 2.50 grams (38.58 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
Enough common dates exist that a type collector can find a coin in any grade from Good through About Uncirculated; Mint State pieces are elusive but not rare, and superb examples are harder. Proofs were struck every year from 1892 through 1915 (none in 1916). The series’ great rarity is the 1894-S, of which only 24 were coined and about a dozen survive. Other scarcer issues include the 1893/2 overdate, 1895-O, 1896-S, 1897-O, and 1901-S.
A collecting note worth knowing: the word LIBERTY on Barber coins wears off quickly, so a sharp, full-LIBERTY coin in Extremely Fine is far scarcer than the low catalog prices have historically suggested — a long-standing “sleeper” among these designs.
We actively buy Barber dimes in every grade, from well-worn type coins to key dates and choice Mint State and Proof examples. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.