Barber coins are a series of U.S. coins minted between 1892 and 1916, named after their designer, Charles E. Barber.
These coins include the Barber Dime, Barber Quarter, and Barber Half Dollar. You can identify them by the classic image of Lady Liberty wearing a laurel wreath on the front, and either a simple wreath (dime) or a heraldic eagle (quarter and half) on the back.
These coins often go unnoticed in spare change or old coin jars because they resemble modern coins in size, but their distinct design and date range make them easy to spot if you know what to look for
Look for dates between 1892 and 1916 and mintmarks like “S” (San Francisco) or “O” (New Orleans).
Values vary depending on rarity and condition. Common Barber coins can fetch $5 to $50, while rare dates like the 1894-S Barber Dime can be worth millions.
Even worn coins are worth more than face value.
If you find one, don’t clean it—cleaning can destroy its value. Instead, have it evaluated by a professional or coin dealer. Finding a Barber coin in your change could turn out to be a valuable surprise!