Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to offer a Gem 1894-O Barber dime in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. Delicate peach tones and vibrant teal iridescence are seen on this gorgeous Gem, slightly more pink on the reverse. Gold and amber at the peripheries showcase the satiny, matte-like texture of the fields, producing a graceful and uninterrupted cartwheel at a tilt. The devices are nicely bold with silken luster atop each element. This truly captivating piece is among the finest known for the issue.
The 1894-O is a key issue in the Barber dime series. Just 720,000 dimes were produced at New Orleans in this year and this date ranks second in rarity behind only the 1895-O in Mint State. The low mintage figure ensured that most coins would see heavy circulation and, as a result, the majority of survivors are confined to Extremely Fine and lesser levels of preservation.
Even among Uncirculated examples, subdued luster and copious bagmarks often limit eye appeal and technical merit, assuring a severe drought of true Gems. PCGS has only certified six other examples at the MS-66 grade, with only a single MS-67 graded finer, placing this highlight coin in the condition census for the issue. This is a significant opportunity for Barber dime enthusiasts.
This beautiful treasure will be part of our upcoming offering of the Fossil Creek Collection in our March 2016 Baltimore Auction. Featuring a dazzling array of fresh and original 18th and 19th century type coins, the Fossil Creek Collection is sure to appeal to U.S. numismatists of every discipline. To share your exciting collection with the market please contact our offices today at 1-800-458-4646 to speak with a Consignment Director and see what Stack’s Bowers can do for you.
