Rare United States coins are not just valuable; they tell stories from American history. One coin, in particular, the 1894-S Barber dime, is highly sought after by collectors.
What Is the 1894-S Barber Dime?
The Barber dime was made between 1892 and 1916 at four different mint locations. However, in 1894, only 24 dimes were made in San Francisco, and only nine of these dimes are still known to exist today. According to Blanchard & Company, a firm that specializes in rare coins, these dimes are “one of the most sought-after, mysterious, and prized rarities in U.S. history.”
Why Is the 1894-S Barber Dime So Valuable?
David Zanca, a senior portfolio manager at Blanchard, explains that the dime is valuable because it is rare and has a fascinating story. The coin is linked to a little girl named Hallie Daggett and her love for ice cream. Hallie received the dimes after her father, John Daggett, who worked at the San Francisco Mint, gave them to her.
The Story of Hallie Daggett
When Hallie Daggett got the new dimes, she immediately bought ice cream with one and saved the other two. In the 1950s, she sold the dimes. The story goes that John Daggett struck a few extra dimes for some friends, as there were supposed to be no dimes made that year. He told Hallie to keep the dimes until she was older, believing they would be valuable someday. Sadly, Hallie spent one dime on ice cream, which adds to the coin’s story and value.
Charles E. Barber: The Designer
The Barber dime is named after Charles E. Barber, who was the chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. Barber created many medals, including presidential and peace medals, and served until his death in 1917. His designs were influenced by classical styles, and collectors admired his work.
Features of the Barber Dime
The Barber dime has a portrait of “Miss Liberty” facing right, wearing a wreath. The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The design also includes the word “liberty” above her head.
The Mystery of the 24 Dimes
It is unclear why the San Francisco Mint only produced 24 Barber dimes. Whenever one of these dimes appears for sale, wealthy collectors are eager to buy it. Zanca mentions that rare coins connect us to U.S. history, showing how far the country has come.
Prices and Market Changes
Blanchard & Company has sold this rare coin for amounts like $1,550,000, $1,900,000, and $2,200,000. Zanca has noticed more people in America are buying rare coins, as many believe coins might be a better long-term investment than cash.
Where Could the Other Dimes Be?
The fate of the remaining Barber dimes remains a mystery. Zanca suggests they could be hidden away or still in circulation. He encourages anyone who thinks they may have a Barber dime to check its date and mintmark.
How to Identify a Barber Dime
- Check the Date: Make sure the date on the coin is 1894.
- Look for the Mintmark: The mintmark indicates where the coin was made.
- No mintmark = Philadelphia Mint.
- “O” mintmark = New Orleans Mint.
- “S” mintmark = San Francisco Mint (jackpot!).
Table: Comparison of Barber Dimes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minting Years | 1892 – 1916 |
| Total Minted (1894) | 24 |
| Surviving Examples | 9 |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
| Notable Connection | Hallie Daggett’s ice cream purchase story |
Conclusion
The 1894-S Barber dime is not just a piece of money; it’s a valuable piece of American history. With only nine known to exist, this dime tells the story of Hallie Daggett and the unexpected paths coins can take. As people look to invest in rare coins, the Barber dime shines as a remarkable example of how history and value come together in the world of collecting.
FAQ’s
How many 1894-S Barber dimes are known to exist?
Only nine 1894-S Barber dimes are known to survive today.
Who designed the Barber dime?
The Barber dime was designed by Charles E. Barber, who was the chief engraver of the U.S. Mint.
Why is the Barber dime so valuable?
The Barber dime is valuable because of its rarity and the interesting story connected to it.