1908 Barber Dime Value Chart at a Glance
Values below are drawn from recent Heritage Auctions results, PCGS Price Guide data, and PriceCharting sale histories. For a complete 1908 dime identification walkthrough with full photo grading references and variety breakdowns, see this step-by-step 1908 Barber dime identification guide. The 1908-O row is highlighted in gold because its low mintage makes it the most sought-after business-strike issue of the year. The 1908 Proof row is highlighted in orange-red due to its extreme rarity at just 545 struck.
| Variety / Mint | Worn (G–VG) | Circulated (F–XF) | About Unc. (AU) | Mint State (MS62–64) | Gem (MS65+) | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 (Philadelphia) | $4 – $8 | $10 – $28 | $60 – $120 | $140 – $270 | $370 – $960+ | Common |
| 1908-D (Denver) | $4 – $8 | $10 – $30 | $65 – $125 | $140 – $270 | $370 – $900+ | Common |
| 1908-O (New Orleans) ★ | $6 – $12 | $25 – $100 | $275 – $410 | $350 – $720 | $750 – $5,000+ | Semi-Key |
| 1908-S (San Francisco) | $6 – $10 | $24 – $75 | $165 – $300 | $330 – $705 | $750 – $1,188+ | Scarce |
| 1908 RPD FS-301 (Philadelphia) | $50 – $150 | $85 – $300 | $300 – $600 | $600 – $1,100 | $1,100+ | Rare Variety |
| 1908 Proof (Philadelphia) ★★ | PR60: ~$400+ | PR64–65: ~$1,500–$3,000 | PR68: $8,225 | Extremely Rare | ||
★ Semi-key date. ★★ Only 545 struck. Values are ranges — actual prices depend on strike quality, luster, and eye appeal. Cleaned or damaged coins trade at a significant discount.
📱 CoinHix lets you snap a photo of your 1908 Barber dime and instantly estimate its value across all four mint marks — a coin identifier and value app.
The Valuable 1908 Barber Dime Errors & Varieties (Complete Guide)
The 1908 Barber dime holds a unique place in error-coin history: it was the last year the U.S. Mint individually hand-punched dates into each working die. Beginning in 1909, the date was applied directly to the master hub, eliminating an entire class of variety. That means every Repunched Date (RPD) and Misplaced Date (MPD) variety across the entire Barber dime series ends with the 1908 issue. The four variety cards below cover the most documented and valuable errors, from the Philadelphia FS-301 major variety to striking errors that drove premiums even on this common-date coin.
1908-P Repunched Date FS-301
This variety is the crown jewel of the 1908 Barber dime series. It occurred because 1908 was the final year date digits were hand-punched individually into each working die at the Philadelphia Mint. When a punch landed off its target position, the hubbing process required a second corrective strike — but the remnant impression from the first punch remained on the die, transferring to every coin struck from that die.
To identify FS-301, examine the date under 10× magnification and look for a pronounced ghost impression of a numeral adjacent to or behind the primary date digit. The doubling is most clearly visible in the 9 and final 8. The repunching must be clearly visible — faint traces do not qualify for this specific attribution under CONECA or PCGS standards.
Collectors pay significant premiums because this is the only RPD variety in the entire Barber series that so dramatically impacts value relative to a common example. In Good-4, where a normal 1908-P trades near $4, authenticated FS-301 examples with documented PCGS grading have historically sold for $140–$154 — a premium exceeding 3,000%. The PCGS registry designation is #145535.
1908-D Repunched Date FS-307
The Denver Mint produced the most documented RPD varieties of any 1908 issue — seven in total, running from FS-301 through FS-307. This density reflects the large production volume (7.49 million pieces) and the fact that multiple working dies were each individually date-punched by hand. The FS-307 is the most prominent and widely sought of the Denver set, notable enough to appear in PCGS Registry collections.
Visual identification requires a 10× loupe focused on the date. On FS-307, collectors look for a particularly pronounced secondary impression in the final 8, while earlier Denver varieties like FS-303 show what appears to be an "8 over 08" repositioning. Each variety has a distinct directional shift of the repunching, so studying the Flynn reference is essential for precise attribution.
Market data from the Cherrypickers' Guide and recent sales confirms meaningful premiums in circulated grades. VG-to-VF circulated FS-307 examples sell $35–$75 above normal 1908-D coin values. CDN wholesale values in MS64 run approximately $250, and premium MS65+ examples have reached $400–$600 at specialist sales. The Greysheet lists the FS-307 specifically at $11.50–$900 across the grade spectrum.
1908 Dime Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the silver planchet is not properly seated between the dies at the moment of impact. The result is a coin where a crescent-shaped area of blank metal is visible on one or both sides, while the opposite side carries a compressed or partial design. No two off-center strikes are alike — the degree of misalignment and which design elements survive determine nearly all of the premium.
For the 1908 Barber dime, the critical diagnostic is whether the date remains fully readable. Even a modest 10–20% off-center shift with the date visible adds collectible value. More dramatic examples struck 50% or more off-center command substantially higher prices, provided the date is still intact — a 75%+ off-center example with a readable date is genuinely scarce and desirable. Missing the date eliminates most of the premium regardless of how dramatic the misalignment appears.
Market pricing scales steeply with misalignment degree. A minor 5–10% off-center example typically adds only $5–$15 over base coin value. Examples in the 10–20% range sell for $20–$50 depending on grade and date visibility. Dramatic strikes at 50% or more off-center with the full date present have realized $150–$500 or beyond, with the silver floor providing a base value even on weakly struck examples.
1908 Dime Broadstrike Error
A broadstrike error results when the retaining collar — the steel ring that holds the planchet in precise position during the coining press stroke and simultaneously forms the reeded edge — fails to engage or is absent. Without the collar's lateral constraint, the coin metal spreads outward under striking pressure, producing a coin visibly wider and flatter than a normal specimen.
The key distinguishing mark of a true Barber dime broadstrike is the absent or deeply weak reeded edge. The reeding is formed entirely by the collar, not the dies — so a coin struck without a functional collar will have a smooth edge or only partial reeding where the collar engaged briefly before failing. The full design must be present on both faces for the error to qualify as a broadstrike rather than an off-center strike. On a 1908 Barber dime, a broadstruck example will typically measure slightly larger than the normal 17.9mm diameter.
Broadstruck Barber dimes in circulated condition typically trade in the $30–$75 range according to market data from coins-value.com. Better-preserved examples with stronger luster and cleaner fields can reach $100–$200+. A 1908-O broadstrike — combining the error with the semi-key date's inherent scarcity — would command a meaningful additional premium above these baseline figures, though individual examples are extremely uncommon in the marketplace.
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Calculate My 1908 Dime Value →1908 Barber Dime Mintage & Survival Data
All four 1908 Barber dime issues side by side. The O mint mark (New Orleans) on the far right is the semi-key date of the year.
| Issue | Mint | Mintage | Survival Estimate | MS Survivors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 (No mark) | Philadelphia | 10,600,000 | ~30,000+ | Plentiful through MS64 | Highest mintage; usually well-struck |
| 1908-D | Denver | 7,490,000 | ~20,000+ | Common through MS64 | 7 RPD varieties; frosty luster |
| 1908-O ★ | New Orleans | 1,789,000 | ~10,000 | ~400 in MS; ~150 in MS65 | Semi-key; often well struck for an O-mint |
| 1908-S | San Francisco | 3,220,000 | ~12,000 | Scarce in MS66; rare MS67 | Premium grades; MS67 record $15,000 |
| 1908 Proof ★★ | Philadelphia | 545 | ~400 | ~127 NGC graded (all grades) | Mirror fields; PR68 realized $8,225 at Heritage |
| TOTAL (circ.) | All four mints | 23,099,000 | Plus 545 Proof pieces | ||
★ Semi-key date. ★★ Proof only. Survival estimates based on PCGS population report context from research sources. Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper · Weight: 2.5g · Diameter: 17.9mm · Designer: Charles E. Barber · Edge: Reeded.
How to Grade Your 1908 Barber Dime
From left to right: Good (G), Very Fine (VF), About Uncirculated (AU), and Mint State (MS). The LIBERTY headband is the primary grading benchmark.
🟤 Worn (G–VG)
The portrait is visible but worn smooth. In Good (G-4), the rim is complete and the date and lettering are clear. LIBERTY in the headband will be faint or partially missing. On the reverse, the wreath leaves have merged at the bow. Worth $4–$12 depending on mint. The 1908-O starts at $6+ even in this grade.
🔵 Circulated (VF–XF)
All major design elements are clear and separated. In Very Fine (VF-20), all seven letters of LIBERTY must be fully readable. The hair above Liberty's eye shows wear but retains some detail. In Extremely Fine (XF-40), the headband has sharp edges top and bottom. The ribbon bow on the reverse shows slight wear only on the highest points. Worth $10–$100 depending on mint.
🟡 About Uncirculated (AU)
Only trace wear on the very highest points: Liberty's cheek, the hair above the eye, and the ribbon bow tips on the reverse. At least 75% of the original mint luster remains in the protected areas. A good test: tilt the coin under a single light source — cartwheel luster should still roll across the fields. Worth $60–$410 depending on mint mark.
⭐ Mint State (MS60–67)
Zero wear anywhere on the coin. Full cartwheel luster rolls smoothly across all fields. Philadelphia and San Francisco 1908 dimes are typically frosty; New Orleans examples may show softer strike. Color designations (BN, RD) do not apply to silver — instead, look for original white luster versus toning. MS67 Philadelphia realized $17,250 at Heritage Auctions (2007).
🔍 CoinHix can match your coin's surface details against a database of graded examples to help confirm your condition assessment — a coin identifier and value app.
Is Your 1908-O a True Semi-Key Date?
The 1908-O New Orleans dime is the most valuable business-strike coin of the year, commanding double to triple the price of comparable Philadelphia examples in worn grades — and far more in Mint State. But not every coin with an O mint mark is automatically premium. Use this checker to confirm what you have.
A 1908-O Barber dime: the O mint mark appears below the ribbon bow on the reverse. Just 1,789,000 were struck.
Left: 1908 Philadelphia (no mint mark). Right: 1908-O New Orleans (O below the bow). The presence of an O dramatically changes the coin's value.
🔵 Common — 1908 Philadelphia
No mint mark on the reverse. Mintage of 10.6 million. Easy to find in all grades from worn through gem. Worth $4–$8 in Good, $140–$270 in MS62–64. A solid type coin but not a premium date.
🔴 Semi-Key — 1908-O New Orleans
Small "O" below the wreath bow on the reverse. Mintage of only 1,789,000 — the lowest of the year. PCGS estimates ~10,000 survive in all grades. Worth $6–$12 in Good, $350–$720 in MS62–64, and $750–$5,000+ in gem grades.
Check all that apply to your coin:
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Use the Value Calculator →Free 1908 Dime Value Calculator
Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any errors. Then tap Calculate to see an estimated value range based on current market data.
Step 1 — Select Mint Mark
Step 2 — Select Condition
Step 3 — Select Error / Variety (if any)
If you're not sure about mint marks or die varieties yet, there's a 1908 Dime Coin Value Checker online tool that can estimate your coin's worth from a photo before you identify all the details.
Describe Your 1908 Dime for a Detailed Assessment
Describe what you see in the text box below — our keyword analysis will match your description against known varieties, condition markers, and value drivers.
✅ Mention these things if you can
- Mint mark letter (D, O, S, or none)
- What LIBERTY looks like in the headband
- Whether the date looks normal or doubled
- Edge appearance (reeded, smooth, partial)
- Whether the coin has been cleaned or polished
💡 Also helpful
- Overall color (bright white, grey toning, dark)
- Any visible ghost impressions in the date
- Luster presence (frosty, dull, cartwheel effect)
- Any misalignment, off-center, or unusual shape
- Weight if you can measure (normal is 2.5g)
Where to Sell Your Valuable 1908 Barber Dime
Where you sell matters as much as what you have. Match the venue to your coin's grade and rarity for the best outcome.
🏆 Heritage Auctions
Best for AU, Mint State, or error/variety coins worth $200+. Heritage reaches the deepest pool of specialist Barber dime collectors. Their Barber coinage sales consistently achieve strong premiums for the 1908-O semi-key and MS-grade coins. Submit well in advance — consignment timelines can run 60–90 days before your lot appears in a sale.
📦 eBay (Completed Sales)
Ideal for circulated coins in the $10–$150 range where auction fees might not justify Heritage consignment. Check recent 1908 Barber dime sold prices and completed eBay listings to set a competitive asking price before you list. PCGS or NGC holders dramatically increase buyer confidence and final realized prices.
🏪 Local Coin Shop (LCS)
Fast and convenient — you walk out with cash the same day. Expect offers of 50–70% of retail value; dealers need a margin to resell. Best suited for worn circulated 1908 dimes where you want immediate liquidity. If you have a 1908-O or an attributed RPD variety, get at least one other offer before accepting an LCS quote.
💬 Reddit r/Coins & r/CoinSales
The r/CoinSales subreddit lets you post directly to other collectors with no auction fees. Prices often fall between LCS and eBay. Verify any buyer's reputation through post history and trading references before shipping. Works well for mid-grade circulated examples where you want a fair price without the eBay listing overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions — 1908 Dime Value
How much is a 1908 dime worth with no mint mark?
A 1908 Philadelphia dime (no mint mark) is worth roughly $4–$6 in Good condition, $10–$25 in Very Fine, $60–$120 in About Uncirculated, and $140–$270 in Mint State MS64. Top gem examples graded MS66 by PCGS or NGC have realized $750–$960 at auction. The Philadelphia issue had the highest mintage of 1908 at 10.6 million, making it the most common of the four mints that year.
What makes the 1908-O dime a semi-key date?
The 1908-O New Orleans dime had the lowest mintage of the four 1908 issues at just 1,789,000 coins. PCGS estimates only about 10,000 survive in all grades, with roughly 400 in Mint State. Even worn examples in Good-4 carry double to triple the value of comparable Philadelphia coins. It was also one of the final years of operation for the New Orleans Mint, adding historical significance to every example.
What is the 1908 dime Repunched Date error?
The Repunched Date (RPD) error occurred because 1908 was the last year dates were individually hand-punched into working dies. Occasionally a punch landed off-position and required a second strike, leaving ghost impressions of the first numeral placement. The Philadelphia issue has two attributed varieties (FS-301 and FS-303), while Denver has seven (FS-301 through FS-307). The FS-301 Philadelphia variety can command premiums of thousands of percent over normal values in lower grades.
How do I find the mint mark on a 1908 Barber dime?
Turn your 1908 Barber dime to the reverse (tails side). Look just below the ribbon bow that ties the wreath together near the bottom of the coin. You will see a small letter D (Denver), O (New Orleans), or S (San Francisco). If no letter is present, the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia was the only mint that did not use a mint mark on coins of this era.
What is the record auction price for a 1908 dime?
The top recorded auction sale for a business-strike 1908 Philadelphia dime is $17,250 for an MS67 example, sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2007 according to PCGS CoinFacts. For the 1908-S issue, the record is $15,000 for an MS67 graded by PCGS, sold at Heritage Auctions in November 2017. Proof examples have also reached $8,225 for a PR68 from the 1908 Proof mintage of just 545 coins.
Is a 1908 dime silver?
Yes, the 1908 Barber dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams with a diameter of 17.9mm. Each coin contains approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. At current silver prices, this gives every 1908 dime a melt value of roughly $5 to $6 regardless of condition, providing a base floor for even the most heavily worn examples.
How many 1908 dimes were made across all mints?
In 1908, four U.S. Mint facilities struck Barber dimes totaling approximately 23.1 million circulation coins. Philadelphia produced 10,600,000; Denver struck 7,490,000; San Francisco struck 3,220,000; and New Orleans produced just 1,789,000 — the lowest of the year. An additional 545 proof dimes were struck at Philadelphia exclusively for collector sale, making them extremely rare today.
What does the word LIBERTY on a Barber dime tell me about grade?
The word LIBERTY inscribed in Liberty's headband is the primary grading benchmark for Barber dimes. In Good condition, some letters may be faint. In Very Fine, all seven letters must be fully readable. In Extremely Fine, the letters are sharp with a complete raised band above and below them. An Uncirculated coin has full bold LIBERTY with complete mint luster intact across the entire surface. For 1901 and later dates including 1908, note that the headband was modified and may naturally show softer lettering.
How much is a 1908-S dime worth?
A 1908-S San Francisco dime is worth approximately $6–$10 in Good condition, $24–$26 in Very Fine, $69–$75 in Extremely Fine, and $165–$175 in About Uncirculated. Mint State examples range from around $330 in MS60 to $750–$1,188 in MS65. The 1908-S is scarce in MS66 and extremely rare in MS67, where it has commanded up to $15,000 at Heritage Auctions.
Why is 1908 significant as the last year for hand-punched dates?
Starting in 1909, the U.S. Mint began applying the date directly to the master die rather than punching it into each individual working die by hand. This change eliminated an entire class of collectible varieties. The 1908 Barber dime is the final year where individual date punching produced documented Repunched Date varieties across multiple mints, making it uniquely productive for variety specialists and historically significant in American numismatics.
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