1893 Barber Dime

About This Coin

The 1893 Barber Dime is a United States dime from the Barber Dimes 1892-1916 series — the second year of the series. In 1893, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 10.9 million. This ranks 5th 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 one year before the 1894 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $15 to $726 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $63K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.