Price Guide for 1894 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00 – $1,997,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,600,000.00 – $2,450,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $489.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.56 – $394.00Uncirculated: $204.59 – $2,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $385.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $8.40 – $37,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $1,100.99Uncirculated: $7,510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $661.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $2.30 – $20,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $128.73Uncirculated: $406.00 – $2,499.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $345.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,400.00 – $1,539.00Uncirculated: $518.00 – $6,168.75
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eBayUncirculated: $500.00 – $925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $26,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,057.50 – $2,160.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $7,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1894 Dime
The 1894 Dime is part of the Barber coinage, which was introduced in 1892 to replace the long-running Seated Liberty design. Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, this series continued until 1916. The year 1894 was notable for its economic recession, which affected coin production and circulation.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath with denomination, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1894 Dime significantly impacts its value. Due to extensive circulation and the coin’s age, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
For circulated coins, the presence of clear design details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath, is crucial. The amount of luster remaining and the absence of significant marks or wear greatly influence value.
Mintage: 1,330,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 720,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 2,610,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade examples
Mint marks play a crucial role in determining value, with the New Orleans (O) mint being the key date for this year due to its low mintage. The quality of the strike is also important, as some Barber dimes from this period suffered from weak strikes.
Original toning can add to a coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and even. Collectors also prize prooflike surfaces on circulation strikes, though these are extremely rare for 1894 dimes. Any mint errors or die varieties, while not common for this year, could significantly increase a coin’s value if discovered.
