Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 4/22/2024: Gold $2367 | Silver $27.88
1905 Dime Value
Using a few steps supported by images, finds potential premium 1905 dime value. Key factors to value include accurate date and mint identity, followed closely with a judgement of condition.
Combined, this helps narrow how much a Barber dime is worth. All Barber dimes are 90% silver, and a popular collectible. Assembling sets of these dimes is of interest to both new and advanced collectors. Recognizing and separating the base silver quality dime from the higher end examples narrows its place on the chart.
Steps Leading to Value:
- Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - The different mints that produced 1905 dimes are listed on the chart. Determine the date/variety combination to narrow the value range.
- Step 2: Grading Condition - State of preservation is used to evaluate collectible coins. Its value is determined by assigning each a grade.
- Step 3: Special Qualities - A collectible Barber Dime has an appealing appearance. High-demand pieces are identified and separated based on the coin's qualities.
| 1905 Dime Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Mint State |
| Barber Dime Values Updated | 4/22/2024 | |||
| 1905 | $3.54 | $5.05 | $24 | $112 |
| 1905 O | $4.13 | $33 | $100 | $275 |
| 1905 S | $3.54 | $8.39 | $40 | $132 |
Above chart lists wholesale 1905 Barber Dime values. Computed from dealer's price lists and auction records with various mark-up factors figured in.
Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Identified
Varieties of 1905 Dimes to Recognize
1905 was well represented by three mints, all struck millions of dimes. When collectors seek these for collections, nice condition examples are in demand. The different mint varieties are part of the value process and each is listed separately on the chart.
Branch mints placed a small letter on the coin to clearly identify their production. Each is imaged to recognize the date and mint combination.
New Orleans issue of the year were produced in numbers within the series average; however, premiums show on the chart due to popularity of the mint. A nice coin to identify, in demand by new collectors.
1905-S Barber Dime
"S" Mintmark on Reverse: San Francisco Mint Struck the Coin
In terms of mintage, San Francisco dimes of 1905 within the Barber series have an above average mintage. Over 6.8 million produced. With large quantities initially produced, collectors regard these as a popular coin to locate in Extremely Fine condition and above. High-end examples are all valued at strong premiums.
Examine the reverse of the coin to identify a San Francisco dime. A bow is used to secure the wreath's lower ends. The mintmark "S", which is located just above the rim, near the bow, confirms that the coin was struck at San Francisco.
1905-O Barber Dime
"O" Mintmark on Reverse: New Orleans Mint Struck the Coin
A 1905 New Orleans dime in high condition is a difficult coin to find. Mintage totaled 3.4 million pieces, with most receiving extensive wear over time. All New Orleans coinage is popular among collectors and is frequently assembled into a specialty set. Condition is an important factor in establishing value, along with mint variety.
An "O" mintmark found on the reverse confirms the New Orleans mint variety. As a branch mint, these marks were used to identify their coins. At the bottom center of the wreath below the bow is the "O" mark of the New Orleans mint.
1905 Barber Dime
No Mintmark on Reverse: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin
One of the popular issues of the Barber series is the 1905 Philadelphia dime. Placing a value on them requires accurate identification of the variety. During the Barber series, Philadelphia struck abundant quantities of dimes in comparison to the branch mints. With over 14.5 million struck dated 1905, and affordable today, beginning collectors are interested in these as a Barber dime example.
The Philadelphia issue is identified by inspecting the reverse. Look along the lower edge of the dime, just below the bow, if the area is empty, Philadelphia produced the coin.
Step 2: | Grading Condition Finds 1905 Dime Value
Judging Condition and High Quality
Starting with an examine of the dime, an overall impression is made of the coin's condition and determines whether the coin is a premium example. Most of the coins left today are in poor condition. Key elements in the design, when visible finds a higher-quality coin.
Grading a coin examines the surface condition and compares it with images and descriptions of various grades.
Mint State Grade
Mint State: When evaluating the condition of these old Barber dimes, start with a Mint State example, giving an idea of the coin with all of its original details as minted. By definition, the portrait of Liberty is without wear. Mint State grade is defined by no wear to the surface of a coin.
Begin by inspecting the highest points of the design and open areas as you grade condition. Luster or shine imparted during the coin's striking is a fine, delicate texture. Examine the original luster for any blemishes. Liberty's jaw line runs from ear to chin across the center of the dime. Luster quickly wears away along her chin, becoming smooth and dull, with a distinct color change to the metal from the lower relief metal surrounding it.
Second, confirming the example dime has no wear, the laurel leaves just above the headband near the "L" in Liberty have retained their luster and original texture. These two leaves are highly contoured and flatten quickly when worn.
Barber dimes in mint condition retain all of their original details and luster. When a mint state coin is rotated under a single light source, a shine covers the entire surface.
Extremely Fine Grade
Extremely Fine: Barber dimes in Extremely Fine condition show just a small amount of wear. One of the characteristics of the grade is wear restricted to the highest points of the design. Overall appearance of these coins is very sharp. Close inspection confirms that all fine details remain distinct. A collectible grade dime has small lines visible in the leaves, a readable headband, and a little wear.
Within the headband, all letters of "Liberty" are well defined and visible, this is a major characteristic of the Extremely Fine grade. Ribbon of the headband, one of the highest parts of the design, still shows clear top and bottom edges.
Only light wear is judged by the remaining fine strands of hair found on the forehead. A small amount of wear has flattened the hair; visible hair strands indicate only light wear, suggesting a quality dime.
Next, examine the quality and amount of wear to the open areas. The cheek and neck of Liberty retain their contoured highs and lows even with slight wear. A few areas of smoothness can be seen at the tops of the contours. The silver is a soft grey tone in color. High points are typically rounded. Inspecting the cap, it remains detailed with strong contours. The example dime falls comfortably within the range of collectible and valuable Extremely Fine condition.
Fine Grade
Fine Grade: A Barber dime in Fine condition preserves many details. Obvious details of the wreath, cap, and ribbon in Liberty's hair help distinguish the grade, as does moderate wear.
As a first consideration, the overall look and feel of the coin gives the impression of crisp detail. There is very fine detail on all the leaves pointing upward of the Laurel branch. Each of the leaf's edges is distinct, and only where they overlap are they blend together. Unlike the upper row of leaves, the lower row forms a flattened area above Liberty's ear.
All letters of the word "Liberty" are visible on the headband ribbon. The ribbon in Fine condition has lost its upper and lower edges, as well as a slight amount of fading to the letters "ER", which is a common occurrence. Ensure the letters on the headband are both clear and readable.
Under her eye, Liberty's cheek is a flattened area with a minor degree of contour. In addition, the cap is in better condition due to only a small line of wear along the upper edge, leaving round contours in the area near the Laurel branch.
Major design elements are still prominent, contributing to the grade's appeal and making it a popular Barber dime collectible.
Good Grade
Good Grade: The definition of a Barber dime in Good condition is noticeable and heavy wear. A coin visually worn to the point that all fine detail is missing and the majority of the high relief detail is smooth. A quality that contributes to the coins' collectability is the appearance of being worn but not necessarily "worn out" at first glance.
This example depicts a flat, outlined portrait of Liberty that receives a Good grade. There are only shallow details left on the face and hair. However, her portrait is entirely free of the field, no merging, which is a positive.
Complete text along the rim and a bold date are two crucial factors that keep the piece well within the grade. A full rim adds depth and overall appeal. This represents a nice example for the grade, with even wear and collectible features still present.
How to Video: Grading Barber Dimes
Worth is determined by judging the condition of these Barber dimes. Through the use of video, critical areas for judging are highlighted. The grading process narrows the range of conditions.
Video, Images and Descriptions | Grading Barber Dimes
Step 3: | Special Qualities of Condition Adding Value
Recognize the Premium Collectible Dime
Placing a value on any Barber dime starts with determining if the coin fits in the bullion silver quality or collector quality range.
Two distinct markets separate and create a large value difference in the Barber dime series. The collector market favors coins in above average condition for the date and mint variety. Bullion quality pieces are typically low condition dimes notable for heavy wear.
An active bullion market trades the abundant date and mint dimes in Low Grade based on the up and down movements of silver. Values of these is directly tied to silver content with no added collector premium because of abundant supplies.
Inspecting the Fine Grade dime, shows small details giving the coin a high quality appearance. These are sought by collectors and because of difficulty finding nice pieces a premium is awarded.
Certain key elements are needed to quality as a collectible condition Barber dime. Throughout the series dimes in the Fine Grade are well within collector quality range. Most in this grade enjoy premium values.
With a close-up view, the example is showing all letters of "Liberty" in the headband. Meeting this first condition is required to consider the dime as Fine Grade. Secondly, helping to confirm a high condition coin is the well detailed leaves above the headband, fine lines giving the coin a well detailed quality. And a third consideration is the fullness and separation of Liberty's hair from her forehead. Note the complete hair line is distinct from the forehead. When visible these three qualities indicate a strong Fine Grade dime.
Eye appeal of well detailed Barber dimes are a quality sought by collectors. An accurate value range of 1905 dimes require separating the collectible quality from billion quality.
References
U.S. Mint. 1906 U.S. Mint Annual Report https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/51
Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Barber Dime Values
1892 to 1916
Valuable Barber Dimes | Many Valued Above Silver
All Barber Dimes are worth at least $3.54 . Please don't settle for this minimum value, double check your coins. Over half the dates and mint marks are worth substantially more. Condition is a major factor to collectible status and demand.
Barber dimes are one of many dime series minted over the years. Begin the value process with identifying the different designs and following to specific value charts. Each series is valued using a step by step method to accurately judge date, mint, and condition. All are important elements of value charts.
Values of typical examples are given for all U.S. coin series. These minimum values are used to place a starting point to your coin. Review the steps taken to accurately value coins according to date, mintmark, condition, and special qualities found on the coin.
Print the Coin Values Worksheet
Streamline the value process, record your collection as you evaluate each coin. Record premium Barber Dimes separate from bulk bullion priced pieces. Continue with the rest of the collection.
Safe Coin Storage | Recommendations
Contact of other coins and humidity are two causes of damage to coins. A few supplies are available to collectors to protect and preserve the quality of coins. Silver coins, Barber dimes benefit long term with proper housing and storage.
The U.S. mint began striking the dime denomination in 1796. Over the decades many issues have become scarce to rare. View the progress of dimes and their designs to recognize the rare types.
Sell Silver Coins | Identify Market and Coin
There is a large market for older silver alloy U.S. coinage. These silver dimes, quarters, half and silver dollars are worth many times face value. Using the calculator determine today's price of each. Review the listing of dealers to find buyers of silver coins.
★Coin Values Discovery finds 1905 Dime Value and...
Identify your old coins and begin a step by step process to coin values. Images of the different series lead to specific coins. Follow the method used by collectors to place current values on coins.