Here is a 1892-S Barber Dime I picked up years ago. I have found that I am unsatisfied with a lot of my collection and am looking to sell off a lot of it and purchase a few nicer pieces. This is one of those coins I'm kind of at a cross roads with. I would like some opinions on it...both on its grade, value, and overall appeal. Here is what I personally think. First off, having spent some time soul searching and trying to decide how I want to collect...I find that I tend to drift towards the key and semi-key dates. Why, I don't know. Perhaps I was brainwashed by the Red Book as a child. Anyway, this coin I would probably call a "semi-key" and I also like it because it's an 1892 and there is something special about the first year (at least to me). So, for those two reasons, I like this coin. As far as the Barber design, it's not my favorite...but it's also not my least favorite (for some reasons I don't like the Seated Liberty design...but maybe I'm just weird). I don't see myself collecting series of Barbers...but having a couple examples in my collection is a nice thought. For the condition of the coin...I think it's a solid VG. I don't think the details are nice enough for it to be a F. But, looking at the coin in hand and in the photo...I believe it to be a problem free coin. The eye appeal in my opinion on this coin is low. That is the big issue I have with this coin. If I decide to sell it, what do you think it's worth. Do you agree with my assessment of the grade and eye appeal?
The coin is pretty close to Fine. It just lacks all of the details. Like Liberty. That would be important to me. I would try to sell it for $150-$160. Since it isn't graded you may have to settle around the $125-$130 range. Start high. Definitely low eye appeal. Barber coins for me need to have full details. I think you were on point with your assessment.
Totally agree with @gronnh20. In terms of detail, the obverse is a textbook VG10, but the reverse is more like a F-15. Seriously, look at that ear of corn! I don't like the splotchiness of it, either. The discrepancy between obverse and reverse either indicates a weakly struck obverse, or that it suffered from something other than plain old circulation. Normally, I would just say it was weakly struck, but the splotchiness has me wondering which it is. Overall, I would net it at VG10.
OK, I appreciate the opinions. I think I will keep this one for now...but probably look to upgrade it in the future.
I think it has an attractive, original look for a VG10. Many collectors like that look for their circulated coins. I would be looking to buy it, if it walked in my store for around $60-$70 it being a VG and not a Fine.
I hate to be a Christmas Grinch, but I disagree with those who say it has a nice look. I agree with the responders who say it's a VG10. Back in the old days, I would have advertised this coin as an About Fine. In my opinion, it's an ugly coin, and I would get rid of it. But that's just me; if you like it, keep it.
It's a coin I'm going to upgrade eventually but I think I'll keep it for now. I don't care for the look.
