The 1894-S Barber dime is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. Only 24 of these dimes were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making it a coveted piece for collectors everywhere. But why were so few made, and what makes this dime so special?
Barber dimes were produced between 1892 and 1916 in four different mints across the country. The 1894-S, however, stands out because of its tiny mintage. There are several theories behind the decision to mint just 24 coins.
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Why Were Only 24 Minted?
The most well-known story involves John Daggett, the Superintendent of the San Francisco Mint. According to legend, he struck these dimes for a few banker friends who had requested them after hearing that no dimes would be produced that year.
Daggett gave three of the coins to his daughter, Hallie, advising her to keep them because they would be valuable one day. However, Hallie reportedly spent one of the dimes on ice cream! The other two were sold many years later in the 1950s.
Other Theories
Other stories suggest different reasons for the limited number of coins. One theory is that the mint was missing $2.40 from its annual audit, so 24 dimes were made to balance the books. Another theory is that these dimes were struck as a test for the dies.
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The Legacy of the Barber Dime
The Barber dime, designed by Charles E. Barber, is a classic American coin made from 90% silver and 10% copper. Barber also created designs for U.S. quarters and half dollars during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work marked the end of a significant era in American coin art, just as the country was emerging as a world power.
Over the years, many Barber coins were melted down for their silver content, making surviving coins even more valuable. Whenever one of the 1894-S dimes comes up for sale, wealthy collectors jump at the chance to add this rare piece to their collection. In 2016, one of these dimes sold for nearly $2 million!
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Conclusion
Whether it’s the story of a little girl spending one on ice cream or the mystery of why only 24 were ever made, the 1894-S Barber dime remains a treasure in the world of coin collecting. Each coin holds a piece of history, making it a dream come true for serious collectors.