1899 Barber Dimes
During 1892 - 1916, Barber dimes were issued by the United States Government. It was named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, who was Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1879 to 1917. The said design can also be seen on the quarter and the half-dollar during those times. Originally, the job for designing the minor silver coinage was opened to the public. However, there were problems with the negotiations with the artists, specially on their financial demands. Ultimately, Edward O. Leech, the Mint Director during that time instructed Charles Barber to develop a new design.
The design of the barber dime, on the observe, is an image of Liberty. She is wearing a Phrygian cap, with a laurel wreath with a ribbon, and a headband with `Liberty` as inscription. This figure was inspired both by classical Greek and Roman models. The inscription in the coin is usually used in determining the condition of the Barber dimes. Six stars on the left and seven on the right flanked the Liberty head, and the words `In God We Trust` appears above it.
The design on the reverse of the barber dime is a wreath of American agricultural products, with `One Dime` inscripted in the center. The mint mark, if there is any, is seen below the wreath. The design for the reverse of the quarter and half-dollar were different with the dime. In the former, a heraldic eagle can be seen, with the words `Quarter Dollar` or `Half-Dollar`. The mint mark, if there is any, is also located underneath the eagle.13 stars appear above the eagle,and the words `United Stated of America` are inscribed on the top of the edge.
The 1899 Barber Dime issues were similar to the 1898 issues. The Circulate Strikes for the Barber Dimes 1899 is 19,850,000. Metal Content is 90% Silver and 10% Copper. There are no mintmarks for the Philadelphia Barber dimes. For San Fransisco, the 1899 Barber Dimes has a fat S with tall serifs and loops that are almost completely closed. For New Orleans,an `O` with fat sides connected with thin lines at top and bottom.