How to Identify the 1901-S Barber Dime

What It Is

The 1901-S dime is a Barber dime struck at the San Francisco Mint. Its mintage was dramatically lower than the same year's Philadelphia issue, making it a recognized key date within the series and a coin frequently discussed alongside the 1895-O as one of the harder San Francisco and New Orleans issues to complete a Barber dime set with.

Obverse Design

Liberty faces right, wearing a laurel wreath cap with LIBERTY on the headband, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and thirteen stars around the border and the date below.

Reverse Design

The reverse shows "ONE DIME" within a wreath tied by a ribbon bow, with the "S" mint mark in small letters just below the wreath.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

The coin measures about 17.9mm in diameter and weighs approximately 2.5 grams in a 90% silver alloy, with a reeded edge.

Mint Marks

The "S" mint mark below the wreath identifies San Francisco production. The 1901 Philadelphia dime, struck in far greater numbers, carries no mint mark.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Because the Philadelphia issue of the same year is common, the presence of the "S" mint mark below the wreath is the key factor separating the scarce San Francisco strike from an ordinary date. Comparing the mint mark's shape and placement to verified genuine examples helps rule out an added mark, and checking that the overall design details match a genuine Barber dime of the period rounds out the identification.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Look for wear on the hair above Liberty's ear and the high points of the laurel wreath on the obverse, and on the wreath ribbon on the reverse. Because of its scarcity relative to demand, this date is elusive in higher, well-struck grades, and even modestly worn examples are actively sought by date-and-mintmark collectors.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given the substantial price difference between the common Philadelphia dime and the scarcer San Francisco issue of the same year, added "S" mint marks are a common alteration to watch for. Examine the mint mark under magnification for correct size, font style, and centered position below the wreath, checking for tool marks, an inconsistent surface texture, or evidence of solder or glue. Comparison against verified genuine examples or certification from a major grading service offers the most reliable confirmation, particularly for coins offered without any prior grading history.