Price Guide for 1897 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 PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $169.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $22,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.40 – $159.99Uncirculated: $31.77 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $27,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $559.00Uncirculated: $299.99 – $1,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $585.00Uncirculated: $625.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $20.50 – $28,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $905.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 – $4,852.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,125.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.00 – $9,000.00Uncirculated: $1.65 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.00 – $5,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $345.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7,050.00Uncirculated: $380.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $719.10
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $26,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,553.00 – $21,737.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,350.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1897 Dime
The 1897 Dime was part of the Barber Dime series, which replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. This series, designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, was introduced in 1892 and continued until 1916. The Barber design was a significant departure from its predecessor, featuring a classical profile of Liberty on the obverse and a wreath encircling the denomination on the reverse.
1897 marked the sixth year of the Barber Dime production, during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1893. These coins played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1897 Barber Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Fine) are relatively affordable, while those in higher grades (AU to MS) can command substantial premiums.
Uncirculated examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are quite rare and highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, condition rarity is even more pronounced, with high-grade specimens being especially valuable due to their lower mintages and typically poorer strike quality.
Mintage: 10,869,264
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 666,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,342,844
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved coins
Strike quality is an important factor for Barber Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details in Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse are more desirable. The New Orleans issue is known for often having weaker strikes, making sharp examples particularly valuable.
Original toning can significantly enhance a coin’s appeal and value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often preferred by collectors over those that have been cleaned or have no toning at all.
The presence of the mint mark (or lack thereof for Philadelphia) should be clear and undamaged. Coins with strong, clear mint marks are generally more valuable, especially for the scarcer New Orleans and San Francisco issues.
