CoinValue

1903-S Barber Dime

1903 | San Francisco | Mintage: 613,000 | 90% Silver, 10% Copper
$51 – $50,500 Key Date
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Obverse of Barber Dime showing Liberty Head with laurel wreath and cap (Charles Barber design)

Obverse

Reverse of Barber Dime

Reverse

The 1903-S Barber Dime was minted at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 613,000. Values range from $51 in lower grades to $50,500 in top condition. This is a key date, making it especially sought-after by collectors.

CoinValueDB Value Estimate

$0.15 – $50,500

Based on 2 recent sales

Price History

SoldHigh BidFor SaleLast Asking PriceMoving Average
Avg: $4,745 High: $50,500 Low: $0.15 2 sales 13 total data points

Recent eBay Sales

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
GradeValue
Good (G-4)$51
Very Good (VG-8)$93
Fine (F-12)$165
Very Fine (VF-20)$265
Extremely Fine (EF-40)$525
About Uncirculated (AU-50)$890
Mint State (MS-60)$1,225
Choice Mint State (MS-63)$2,250
Gem Mint State (MS-65)$5,650
Superb Gem+ (MS-67)$50,500

About the Barber Dime

The Barber Dime series launched in 1892 to replace the Seated Liberty design. Mint Director Edward Leech ordered the change because the Seated Liberty coins had been in circulation for over 50 years. He chose Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber to design the new coinage. Barber based his work on the French coinage of the era, featuring a profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath. The series ran until 1916. Barber dimes were minted at Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The design remained consistent throughout the run, though the placement of mint marks changed. The Mint replaced the Barber design with the Winged Liberty Head, or Mercury, dime in 1916 because the public complained the Barber design lacked artistic merit.

Coin Details

Designer
Charles E. Barber
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight
2.50g
Diameter
17.9mm
Edge
reeded
Series
Barber Dime (1892-1916)

Historical Notes

The 1903-S has a mintage of 613,000 and is considered a key date.

Collecting Barber Dime Coins

Focus on building a set of common date coins in Good to Very Good condition before chasing rarities. The 1892 through 1900 Philadelphia issues are plentiful and cost less than $10 in lower grades. Watch for heavy wear on the date, as these coins circulated for decades. Barber dimes are prone to weak strikes on the head of Liberty, so do not mistake a flat strike for excessive wear. Beware of altered mint marks on key dates like the 1894-S or 1895-O, and always buy high-value specimens with a certification from a reputable grading service.

This series includes key dates — check individual coin pages for rarity details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 1903-S Barber Dime worth? +
A 1903-S Barber Dime is worth between $51 and $50,500 depending on condition. Coins in higher grades (MS-65 and above) command significant premiums.
How many 1903 Barber Dime coins were made? +
The San Francisco Mint produced 613,000 1903 Barber Dime coins. Lower mintage numbers generally correlate with higher collector value.
Is the 1903-S Barber Dime a key date? +
Yes, the 1903-S Barber Dime is considered a key date in the Barber Dime series. Key dates are coins with low mintage, high collector demand, or both, making them among the most valuable in the series.
How much is a 1903-S Barber Dime worth? +
A 1903-S Barber Dime in Good condition typically sells for around $100. High-grade specimens in Mint State can cost several thousand dollars depending on the specific surface quality.
Is the 1903-S Barber Dime rare? +
Yes, it is a key date coin. The mintage of 613,000 makes it significantly harder to find than most other Barber Dimes produced during that decade.

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