1897 Barber Dime

The Barber Dime is a coin that was popular when it was in circulation and even more popular now that it is no longer being produced. Finding one of these coins is not enough for collectors, because collectors only want the coins that have been preserved throughout the years. Because there are very few well-preserved pieces remaining, it is easy to see why they do not stay on the market for very long at all before being scooped up by a collector.

For a coin collector, a Barber Dime would likely only be worth acquiring if the coin is in excellent condition. Coins in top condition are generally the most valuable, and are also the most pleasing to the eye.

Grading the 1897 Barber Dime

As is the case with any coin sought after by collectors, the condition of the piece is everything. Even though these coins have plenty of age, there are still quite a few remaining in tip-top shape. Difficult to find, it is easy to see why collectors are willing to pay top-dollar for Barber Dimes that have been well-preserved.

Under normal circumstances, a coin’s condition is judged through a grading process executed by a professional organization. Understanding that not everyone can afford to send their coins away for grading, we have provided below an outline of what you might expect coins of certain grades to look like.

Uncirculated: An uncirculated coin is one that saw no time being exchanged on the open market. Instead, these pieces were kept in storage throughout their entire lives and did not have the chance to be damaged or worn. Because of their pristine condition, uncirculated coins are the most sought after.

Extremely Fine: To receive an Extremely Fine grade, the coin in question will have had to have spent a little bit of time in circulation. Though these coins will undoubtedly show some signs of wear and tear, it will be difficult to make out this wear with the naked eye. These coins are also of great value to all collectors.

Fine: Fine is the grade given to those coins that spent some time in circulation such that they have been lightly tarnished and/or damaged. Coins of this grade will show visible signs of wear, but the coin’s imagery will remain intact and able to easily be made out with the naked eye.

Good: Good is the grade given to Barber Dimes that have seen an extended period of time having been circulated. The condition of these coins can best be described as poor, and the damage you will see on both faces will be extensive. Though these coins are in fairly poor shape, they are still great additions to any collection as they are more than 75 years old and quite rare.

Pricing the 1897 Barber Dime

To price the 1879 Mercury Dime accurately, you must take into consideration a few factors. First, you must consider the type of Dime you have. Because 2 or more types of Barber Dimes were produced each and every year, the type’s specific rarity comes into play. Secondly, the price of the coin will be directly determined by the condition which it is in. Naturally, those coins that have been well-preserved are the ones that will sell for the higher prices. The chart below will give you a better idea as to what you can expect to pay for a Mercury Dime given its condition and type.

Barber Dimes

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1897 Barber Dime	$4	$8	$32	$75
1897 Barber Dime (O)	$65	$280	$475	$600
1897 Barber Dime (S)	$18	$90	$175	$260
Source: Red Book