Semi-Numismatic

1900-O Barber Dime Good

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The turn of the twentieth century brought this silver dime from the Southern branch of the United States Mint in New Orleans. Struck in 90 percent pure silver, this ten-cent piece carries the distinct character of a coin that actively circulated through the hands of everyday Americans. It contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal, representing a bygone era of circulating silver coinage. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse of the coin displays the profile of Lady Liberty. On this heavily circulated example, she wears her traditional Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, though the passage of time has worn away the word Liberty on her headband. A complete rim still frames this classic portrait, keeping the overall design intact despite decades of use. On the reverse, a detailed wreath encircles the face value, which is simply stated as ONE DIME. While the rim on this side of the coin may show slight weakness from wear, the central design remains a testament to the artistry of late nineteenth-century American coinage.