Numismatic

1897-O Barber Dime Good

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In 1897, the New Orleans Mint struck a ten cent silver piece that captures a distinct era of American coinage. This Barber dime, composed of 90 percent silver with a metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces, has survived in Good condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated in the late nineteenth century. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse of the coin presents a profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a laurel wreath atop a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. Surrounding her portrait are the bold letters of the inscription, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the year 1897 anchored at the bottom. The reverse side of the coin focuses on the face value, displaying the words ONE DIME. This denomination is framed by a detailed wreath that encircles the center of the design. On the lower portion of the reverse, the "O" mint mark indicates its origin from the legendary minting facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.