1897 S 10C Barber Dime Silver PCGS AU50 About Uncirculated Coin

Product Description

An 1897 San Francisco Mint (S) Barber silver dime graded About Uncirculated 50 (AU-50) by PCGS.  This piece displays an original light matte grey silver color/tone, light luster visible in the peripheries and excellent visible details.  The total mintage for this date & mint mark: 1,342,844.  Please view our photos for additional information and ask any questions prior to purchase.

The Barber Dime was a silver dime designed by Charles E. Barber, and was minted from 1892-1916. In 1891, the Director of the Mint Edward O. Leech was authorized by Congress to implement coin redesigns and thus competitions were held that year to find new patterns for silver coinage. However, the rules stated only the winning design(er) would receive a cash prize, therefore many engravers did not submit entries. The entries that were submitted proved to be unsuitable, and Leech instructed Barber to design the dime, quarter and half dollar. After being approved by President Benjamin in November of 1891, minting began the following year. The obverse of the dime featured the profiled bust head of Liberty with Barbers last initial B at the truncation of the neck. The reverse depicts a wreath with the denomination ‘ONE DIME’ inside. Though the mintage of half dollars halted in 1915, the dime and quarter continued to be produced until 1916 to meet commercial demand. Parameters set for the Barber dime were: .900 silver, .100 copper composition, a net weight of .07234 oz. pure silver, total weight of 2.5 grams, and featured a 17.9 mm diameter and reeded edge.