1896 Barber Dime

About This Coin

The 1896 Barber Dime is a United States dime from the Barber Dimes 1892-1916 series — an early issue, 5th of 25 years in the series. In 1896, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 3.2 million. This ranks 3rd of 25 years by total mintage, below the series median of 23.1 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays an agricultural wreath of corn, wheat, oak, and maple enclosing the words ONE DIME. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Struck two years after the 1894 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $22 to $2.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $21K in MS66+ grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.