Barber Dime 10c 1892-1916 PR DCAM [Type]

Designer: Obverse: Charles E. Barber. Reverse: James B. Longacre, created in 1860 for the Liberty Seated dime. Weight: 2.5 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper (net weight: .07234 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 17.9 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: Barber dimes are much more available today than are quarters and half dollars. Today, among circulation-strike Barber dimes probably 90% or more in existence are G-4 or below, a curious situation repeated in the quarter and half dollar series. A wide range of possibilities awaits you, as there are relatively inexpensive varieties available from the first year, 1892, to the last, 1916. Contemplate the dates and mints and pick an interesting one—perhaps the 1906-D, representing the first year of the Denver Mint, or another favorite. Mint State coins are somewhat scarce, this being especially true of the mintmarked issues.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: The obverse of the typical Barber dime is well struck, although the higher details of the hair should be checked. The reverse is usually sharp. If weakness is seen, it is usually in the wreath details. The denticles are usually sharp on the obverse and reverse.

Proof Coins: Proof coins survive in proportion to their mintages. Choice and gem specimens are found more easily among dimes than quarters and half dollars of this type. All were originally sold in silver-coin sets. The Proofs of 1892 to 1901 usually have cameo contrast between the designs and the mirror fields. Later Proofs vary in contrast.