PCGS Graded Barber Dimes

The Barber Dime, minted from 1879 to 1917, is named for its designer, Charles E. Barber. The Barber dime was struck at the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints for the duration of the series. Barber dimes struck at the New Orleans mint, however, only were produced until 1909, as that was the last year of operation for the New Orleans mint. There is one great rarity in the Barber dime series, one of the rarest coins in all of U.S. numismatics-the 1894-S dime. Allegedly, 24 pieces were struck on orders from San Francisco Mint Superintendent J. Daggett. Only ten specimens can be accounted for today, which presents one of the great numismatic mysteries of the past hundred years: Where are the other fourteen 1894-S dimes that were reportedly struck? All of the known 1894-S dimes are proofs, and all were struck from the same set of dies. Much has been written on this fascinating rarity over the years, and there are many interesting stories and theories about these coins.