1895 Barber Dime

1895 Barber dimes are relatively scarce as compared to other Barber dimes earlier and later in the decade. The Barber dime, which was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber in 1891 and first struck in 1892, is officially called the Liberty Head dime and is popularly collected by date-and-mintmark combination. For that reason, the scarce branch mint dates are quite sought after, and their values reflect that.

Here’s a breakdown of the mintages and values of the various Barber dimes issues from 1895:

• 1895 – 690,000; $90

• 1895-O – 440,000; $425

• 1895-S – 1,120,000; $46

• 1895 proof – 880; $600

*Values are for coins in a grade of Good-4, unless otherwise noted.

Defying the usual logic of 19th-century coins, the Philadelphia issue for 1895 dimes is actually neither the highest-mintage piece nor the least expensive. Both of the honors, if you will, go to the San Francisco issue. The 1895-O is a particularly difficult issue that many coin collectors have a difficult time finding at a coin dealer, let alone having enough money to buy. Even if you’re short on funds, try to avoid buying a “filler” 1895-O and aim for one that grades a full Good and is problem free. Those pieces are most attractive and have the highest likelihood of increasing in value down the road.