Price Guide for 1908 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.00 – $154.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $17,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $232.34Uncirculated: $75.00 – $14,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $15,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $184.00Uncirculated: $1.10 – $5,405.00
-
eBayCirculated: $2.50 – $149.00Uncirculated: $46.00 – $659.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $8,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $7,638.00
-
eBayCirculated: $33.80 – $227.50Uncirculated: $321.00 – $992.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $322.00Uncirculated: $3.15 – $15,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $298.00Uncirculated: $114.00 – $1,350.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $17,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $8,225.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.50Uncirculated: $375.00 – $1,875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $345.00 – $13,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $660.00
-
eBayCirculated: $65.00Uncirculated: $147.51 – $1,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $1,100.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $540.00 – $8,225.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $679.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $22,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1908 Dime
The 1908 Barber Dime was part of the Barber coinage series, which began in 1892 and continued until 1916. Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, this coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history. The design was a departure from the previous Seated Liberty motif, reflecting the changing tastes and preferences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, O, S (Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco), No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1908 Barber Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common and affordable, but the value increases dramatically for uncirculated specimens. Coins in MS65 (Mint State 65) or higher grades are particularly scarce and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are crucial for higher grades.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, especially for the New Orleans and San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 10,600,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 7,490,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,789,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,220,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Several factors can influence the value of a 1908 Barber Dime beyond its condition:
1. Mint mark: The New Orleans (O) mint coins are generally more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Strike characteristics: Some issues, particularly from San Francisco, can be weakly struck, making well-struck examples more desirable.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds may command a premium among specialists.
4. Historical significance: As a coin minted during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and a time of significant economic growth, it holds appeal for history enthusiasts.
5. Set completion: Demand can increase as collectors seek to complete date and mint mark sets of the Barber series.
