1892-1916 Barber Dime Values
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.61 | $26.15 | $130.74 |
Barber Dime
The Barber Dime is was the ten-cent coin minted from 1892 to 1916. The coin is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. The overall Barber coinage series also included quarters and half dollars all sharing the same obverse design, with a similar reverse.the Barber Dime features a classical Liberty design on the obverse and a simple laurel wreath on the reverse.
The Barber Dime was minted at four mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Over the years, many coins were heavily circulated, and finding examples in high-grade condition today can be challenging.
The Barber Dime is cherished by collectors because of its place in American coinage history and its classical design. The series offers a variety of key dates and mintmarks that provide challenges for collectors, making it both a historical and numismatic treasure.
With 90% silver content, Barber Dimes also hold intrinsic value as silver bullion and is frequently found amongst junk silver. This adds to their appeal as both a collectible and a form of precious metal investment.
Specifications and Design
- Obverse Design: The front side of the coin features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, with "LIBERTY" inscribed on the headband. Around the portrait is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the year of mintage at the bottom.
- Reverse Design: The reverse side depicts the denomination "ONE DIME" inside a laurel wreath. This design is simple and focused on emphasizing the value of the coin.
- Metal Composition: The Barber Dime is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 17.9 mm.
The Barber Dime series concluded in 1916 when it was replaced by the Winged Liberty Head Dime, more commonly known as the Mercury Dime.
Barber Dime Values
Many Barber Dimes are heavily worn, slick, or dateless because they were heavily used in circulation for decades. Coins in this condition are usually sold as junk silver because of the intrinsic value of the metal. However, when coins lose detail from wear, they may weigh slightly less than one in uncirculated condition.
- Good (G-4) - In Good condition, Barbers are still heavily worn but the outline of major features, such as Liberty’s head and the date, are still visible. Most Barber Dimes in this grade are valued for their silver content and its common to find them sold as "junk silver". Value Range: $3 to $10.
- Fine (F-12) - In Fine condition, more of Liberty’s hair and other details begin to emerge, though some wear is evident. These coins carry a slight numismatic premium and are usually valued in the $10 to $20 range.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50) - Coins in "About Uncirculated" condition exhibit minimal wear, mostly confined to the highest points of the design. Coins in almost uncirculated condition are popular with collectors and carry values from $75 to $150.
Key Dates and Rarities
The Barber Dime is cherished by collectors because of its place in American coinage history and its classical design. The series offers a variety of key dates and mintmarks that provide challenges for collectors, making it both a historical and numismatic treasure.
- 1894-S Barber Dime: This is one of the most famous rarities in U.S. coinage, with only 24 minted. Of those, fewer than ten are known to exist today, making it highly sought after by collectors. One example sold for over $1 million at auction.
- Other Key Dates: While the 1894-S is the rarest, other dates and mintmarks such as the 1895-O, 1901-S, and 1903-S are also considered more valuable, especially in higher grades.
Some collectors focus on buying junk Barber dimes for based on their silver weight. These coins are often heavily worn, but finding recognizable dates and mint marks in these lots can still add excitement.
US Mint Silver Coin Values
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.06 | $41.18 | $82.36 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.61 | $26.15 | $130.74 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.61 | $26.15 | $130.74 |
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.61 | $26.15 | $130.74 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.54 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.54 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.54 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.41 | $10.82 | $108.17 |
| 90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.07 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.07 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.07 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.07 | $26.15 | $261.48 |
| 40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $11.56 | $11.56 | $115.60 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.29 | $28.29 | $282.85 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.29 | $28.29 | $282.85 |
Calculating Silver Coin Values
Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.
Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.
Potential Numismatic Value
Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.
If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.
Silver Coin Melt Values
Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is not counterfeit.
If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price.
When considering different forms of silver (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.
Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.
