Coin Value Contents Table
Have you come across a 1903 dime and wondered whether this old coin might be worth something? Maybe you are building your dime collection and are curious whether the 1903 Barber dime deserves a spot in your stack. Our 1903 dime value guide will explain everything you need to know about what makes this coin so special.
While it is not the rarest in the Barber Dime series, the 1903 dime is more than just a coin. Its 90% silver content makes it a valuable collectible even in lower grades. Well-preserved 1903 dimes, however, easily command premium prices.
Whether minted in New Orleans, Philadelphia, or San Francisco, each 1903 dime has a unique story to tell. In this guide, we’ll dive into the coin’s fascinating history, its standout features, tips for determining its value, and rare minting errors that could be worth hundreds—or even thousands of dollars.
So, let’s jump in and find out what is the value of a 1903 dime?
1903 Dime Value Chart | ||||
Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
1903-No Mint Mark Dime Value | $3 | $7 | $40 | $7250 |
1903-O Dime Value | $5 | $20 | $70 | $8750 |
1903-S Dime Value | $100 | $420 | $800 | $15500 |
1903-P Proof Dime Value | – | – | – | $2000 |
1903 Dime Grading
When grading Barber dimes, it is important to paying close attention to the details on the obverse and reverse to assess the extent of wear.
Here’s what to look out for in a 1903 dime:
- Liberty’s hair and head band: Inspect the inscription LIBERTY on the headband, which is particularly prone to wear. The hair above the forehead is also another area to check, as it often shows the first signs of wear. On Mint State coins, the inscription LIBERTY will be fully visible with sharp details.
- Wreath: One the reverse, closely inspect the wreath surrounding the ONE DIME inscription. The leaves are prone to wear, so in Mint State dimes, these details will be sharp and clear.
- Rim: Barber dimes features small raised dots known as denticles along the rim. These wear down more quickly than the rest of the coin. In higher grade dimes, the denticles will be evenly spaced and fully intact, while in circulated coins, the rim will be flattened or the denticles may merge together.
- Luster: Uncirculated Mint State 1903 dimes should have their original luster, with a naturally brilliant surface that shows minimal signs of handling.
# | Grade |
---|---|
1 | Basal State-1 |
2 | Fair |
3 | Very Fair |
4, 5, 6 | Good |
7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
12, 15 | Fine |
20, 30 | Very Fine |
40 | Extremely Fine |
50 | About Uncirculated |
60 | Mint State |
65 | Mint State |
70 | Mint State |
Please check our grading guides to know your coin scale, It’s the necessary step to know the exact value of your coin.
Check out now: How to Grade Barber Dime?
History of the 1903 Dime
The 1903 dime belongs to the Barber coinage series, consisting of dimes, quarters and half dollars designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber. This iconic series, which circulated from 1879 to 1917, replaced the Seated Liberty series, which had been in circulation since the 1803s.
After years of deliberating about modernizing U.S. coinage, the Mint finally introduced a newly designed dime composed of 90% silver. Although the Barber Dime faced a lot of criticism for its dull design, the coin showed tremendous staying power and circulated widely, eventually becoming an iconic piece of American history.
Minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco, the 1903 dime is particularly popular for its superior strike even among circulated pieces. What’s more, the 1903-S dime is especially in high demand due to its historically low mintage and notable scarcity in higher grades. The Denver mint didn’t start minting Barber until 1906. By 1916, the Barber Dime was replaced by the Mercury dime, also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime.
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money
Features of the 1903 Dime
Let’s dive into the key features of the 1903 dime. Understanding these physical attributes can help you identify genuine Barber dimes, assess your coin’s condition and grade, and understand the rarity of certain types of 1903 dimes such as proofs and error coins that might command premium prices. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and preserve the integrity of your collection.
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Here’s what to look out for:
Obverse of the 1903 Dime
The obverse of the 1903 dime features the right-facing profile of Liberty adorning a coronet or headband with the word LIBERTY inscribed across it. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds Liberty’s head while the date, 1903, appears at just below her neck.
Reverse of the 1903 Dime
The reverse of the dime shows a wreath of comprising different leaves including oak, maple, corn and wheat tied together at the bottom. The coin’s denomination, ONE DIME, appears boldly in the center and is flanked by the wreath. The mint mark (S for San Francisco, O for New Orleans, or none for Philadelphia) can be found at the bottom of the wreath.
Other Features of the 1903 Dime
Here are additional technical features of the 1903dime:
- Diameter:90 millimeters
- Weight:50 grams
- Edge: Reeded
- Metal Composition: 90% Silver and 10% Copper
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money
1903 Dime Value Guides
So, how much is a 1903 dime worth? Its value will depend on several factors, including the mintage, rarity, mint mark, and of course, the coin’s condition.
There are four varieties of the 1903 dime, each with its own value. These include:
- 1903 No Mint Mark Dime
- 1903-0 Dime
- 1903-S Dime
- 1903 Proof Dime
Let’s explore the value of each variety.
1903 No-Mint Mark Dime Value
The Philadelphia mint produced the highest number of 1903 Barber dimes, with an estimated mintage of about 19.5 million. These coins are known for their sha strike, with circulated examples displaying great detail even in lower grades.
Because of the high mintage, circulated 1903 dimes are easy to find and add to your collection—these coins are common in all grades. Mint State pieces are also plentiful up to MS64 but become increasingly rare in higher grades like MS67.
Here’s what to expect based on the coin’s condition:
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- Circulated Examples: Circulated 1903 dimes graded Poor/Average are worth more than face value due to their silver content. These coins typically sell for between $2 and $95.
- Uncirculated Mint State: A 1903 dime in Mint State graded MS60 may be worth $125 while an MS65 may fetch as much as $1150. Gem quality specimen are extremely rare and will pull in premium prices. For example, an MS67 can be sold for as much as $7050.
1903-O Dime Value
Next, we’ll look at the 1903-O dime, which was minted in New Orleans. This coin registered the second-highest mintage that year at approximately 8.1 million.
Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1903-O dime boasts a much better strike quality compared to previous issues from the New Orleans Mint. Circulated examples are plentiful in most grades and even lower grades will fetch more than face value because of the their silver content.
Mint State are commonly found in grades MS60 through to MS64, but finding pieces graded MS65 and above can be extremely difficult.
So, how much is a 1903-O dime worth? Here are the prevailing values:
- Circulated Examples: 1903-O Barber dimes in circulated condition are quite affordable in lower grades. Pieces graded Poor/Average will fetch up to $2 while those graded AU will bring in an impressive $170 or thereabout.
- Uncirculated Mint State: Collectors will pay as much as $250 for a 1903-O dime graded MS60 and $1300 for one graded MS64. Pieces graded MS66 command as much as $8750. In 2006, a 1903-O graded Choice Mint State fetched an astonishing $20,700 at a Stack’s Bower auction, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
1903-S Dime Value
The 1903-S dime, minted in San Francisco had the lowest mintage with only 613,000 Barber dimes produced. This gives the coin the distinction of having the third-lowest mintage in the entire Barber Dimes series.
Despite its rarity, many Mint State survivors are available in grades MS62 to MS64. But, gem-quality pieces graded MS65 to MS66 are harder to come by and the population dwindles dramatically in high Mint States starting MS67.
Like dimes from New Orleans and Philadelphia, the 1903-S dimes boast excellent strike quality, with some Mint State pieces displaying proof-like luster and surface detail.
Below are some expected values for the 1903-S dime:
- Circulated Examples: Due to their low mintage, even well-worn 1903-S dimes will fetch good money. For example, pieces graded Poor/Average can sell for as much as $45, Extremely Fine (XF) examples will fetch up to $800 while those graded About Uncirculated will bring in up to $1225.
- Uncirculated Mint State: A 1903-S dime graded MS60 can sell for as much as $1300 while an MS64 will fetch up to $2350. The Mint State population becomes scarce and pricier from MS67 where a piece can cost $15500. According to records from PCGS, a 1903-S dime graded MS67, sold for an astounding $17,038 at a Legend Rare Coin Auctions event in 2014, making this one of the most valuable gem-quality dimes in the Barber series.
1903 Proof Dime Value
In addition to regular strike 1903 dimes, the Philadelphia mint produced about 755 proof dimes. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and feature exceptional eye-appeal, crisp details, frosted surfaces and raised devices that make them stand out., These coins boast a satiny texture and brilliant luster, making them a must-have in any serious collection.
Among the proof coins, Cameo and Deep Cameo pieces are rare and in high demand.
Here’s what to expect with 1903 proof dimes:
- Regular Proof Coins: Regular proof 1903 dimes are hard to come by but those graded MS68 and above are considered gem-quality specimen. These coins will typically command as much as $2,000.
- Record Prices: In 2013, a collector paid a remarkable $14,100 for a PR68 1903 proof dime at a Heritage Auction sale in 2013, setting a high auction record for proofs in this series.
Also read: 13 Most Valuable Dime Errors Worth Money
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Rare 1903 Dime Errors List
The 1903 dime series has a few valuable minting errors that can significantly improve the value of your collection. Some of these errors can fetch hundreds and even thousands of dollars. If you are lucky to find one, it can be an excellent addition to your collection.
Here are the most valuable minting errors in the 1903 Barber Dime series:
1903-S Dime Re-Punched Mint Mark Error
A re-punched mintmark error (RPM) occurs when the mint mark is punched into the die multiple times at slightly different angles. This results in a misaligned or overlapping impression of the mintmark. This error is common in coins minted before the 20th century when mintmarks were manually impressed onto each working die.
Although RPMs require magnification to really notice them, they are highly collectible. The more dramatic the misalignment, the more valuable the coins become, especially on key dates or higher grades. On a 1903 dime, an RPM can increase the coin’s value by $100 to $500, depending on the grade.
1903-P Dime Misplaced Date Error
Another error that comes up in the 1903 dime series is the misplaced date, which as the name implies is when the date is imprinted in the wrong location on the coin. This was more common on coins struck before the 1990s when the date was manually engraved onto the working die.
Even though the engraver would try to correct this error, misplaced date would still be visible on parts of the coin such as on the denticles, truncation of Liberty’s profile, or other nearby design elements. You would typically require magnification to notice such an error.
This error is relatively rare on Barber dimes and can significantly boost your coin’s value. Depending on the size, placement, and the coin’s condition, a misplaced date error can fetch anywhere from $500 to $5000.
1903-O Dime Struck Through Error
An error worth pursuing in the 1903 dime series is the struck-through, which occurs when a foreign element is accidentally struck between the die and planchet. The object obstructs part of the design from being transferred to the planchet, leaving an impression of the object itself.
Common foreign material that can enter the striking chamber include grease, hair strands, strings, metal pieces, pieces of cloth, dust and other debris. The result is a coin with recessed shapes, deep dings, grooves or missing details that contrast with the rest of the coin’s surface.
Generally, the more dramatic the error, the more valuable the coin. A struck-through error on a 1903-dime can increase its value by $500 to $1000.
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FAQ
Is the 1903-S dime rare?
Yes, the 1903-S dime is extremely rare with a historically low mintage of just 613,300. It is a key date in the Barber dime series and higher grades are particularly scarce. These coins are highly sought after and collectors are willing to pay premium prices for them.
How can I tell if my 1903 Barber dime is genuine?
Counterfeiting can be an issue with the 1903 dimes, especially with the low-mintage 1903-S dime. To check your coin is genuine, inspect important design elements such as the date, mint mark, Liberty’ profile and the wreath. Pay special attention to the mint mark, which should be located below the wreath on the reverse. You can also use a magnet to test the coin’s silver content—genuine 1903 dimes are 90% silver.
How do I determine the value of a 1903 Barber dime?
Assess the coin’s condition and check the mint mark. The most valuable 1903 dimes are the ones minted in San Francisco (with an S mint mark) followed by the New Orleans (“O” mint mark) dimes. Coins with sharp details and intricate designs are graded as Mint State and can be worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars. For an accurate valuation, consider consulting a professional coin grader.