Rare and precious, the 1894-S Barber dime proof is one of the most valued US coins. There may have been 24 minted, but only eight or nine exist. Good condition ones sell well at auction. One sold in 2016 for $1,997,500.
The beautiful (possibly fictional) narrative behind the 1984-S Barber dime is cool. In the story, Hallie Daggett, daughter of San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett, was given three dimes by her father and advised to store them until she was older because they were valuable.
Although less costly than the 1984-S Barber dime, 1900 coin proofs can be worth thousands. If the dime has a great cameo or contrast between design and background, it can be valued. One perfect example sold for $66,000 in 2020.
A commercial strike of a coin can be as beautiful as a proof. The strike quality of the 1893-S Barber dime increases its worth. An uncirculated Superb Gem strike of this "key date" coin sells for top money. One sold for $63,250 in 2007.
The 1895-O Barber dime is rare due to its small mintage. Collectors struggle to get this New Orleans-minted dime in mint condition because most of the dimes were circulated in the South. One mint state sample sold for $58,755.88 in 2017.
Although less rare than the 1895-O dime, the Philadelphia no-mintmark dime from the same year is similarly unusual. It was the toughest to acquire of all Philadelphia Barber dimes because only 690,000 were made. A 2005 mint-state Superb Gem sold for $46,000.