No Motto Barber Dime

The Barber Silver Dime was struck by the U.S. Mint from 1892-1916, so every coin is now over 100 years old. The coin was struck in 90% silver and is known as the Barber Dime because it was created by Charles E. Barber, who was Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint and was one of the most famous and prolific coin designers in history. It is also known as the “Liberty Head Dime” because the obverse depicts Liberty wearing a triple headdress of cap, laurel wreath, and coronet inscribed with the word “Liberty” – symbols of freedom and liberty. The reverse shows the denomination within a wreath of corn and wheat to symbolize agriculture, maple leaves to represent civic rule, and oak leaves to indicate military power – the three great traditions that built America. At the same time, the U.S. Mint struck the Barber Quarter and Half Dollar with almost identical obverse images – apart from the motto “In God We Trust” on the obverse. The motto was added to U.S. coins in 1864, but there was no room for it on the Barber Dime, making it the last Dime without the motto; when the Mercury Dime replace it in 1916, the motto was added. Millions of these silver coins have been melted for the silver bullion over the years, leaving just a fraction for today’s collectors.