1897 Barber Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1897 Barber Dime is a United States dime from the Barber Dimes 1892-1916 series — 6th of 25 years in the series. In 1897, coins were struck at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 12.9 million. This ranks 6th 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. Produced 3 years after the celebrated 1894 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $13 to $1.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $29K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
