1912 Proof Barber Dime

Coin Details

Auction Record

$11,163 PR68 10-27-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1912 Proof Barber Dime is a proof dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Barber Dimes 1892-1916 series. With a mintage of 700, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $617. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4896.