1915-S Barber Dime Undervalued?

http://www. (207) Not Allowed - Auto-Removed .com/coins/1468/dimes/barber/1915-S/

Maybe something to do with not being swallowed up in the earthquake about 10 years earlier? Seriously wondered that myself when I was putting together a circulated set that included that 96S bugger. :)

and the number wanted. Simple supply and demand.

This is not unusual. If you check any series with one or two key coins up for sale on auction sites like ebay or Great Collections, or Heritage it is not unusual to see more of the key dates than a ‘common' date close to the key. Often you will see a dozen or so 1932-s Washington quarters and only one or less 1935-s. I think this is because there is more of a market and more buyers for the key date coins so people are more ready to sell them and pay the auction fees.

This can skew the information of value and rarity, especialy over the short term. This is one of the (but not the only) problems with using ebay sold listings as a value guide.

It's all about supply and demand.
A great example is from 1964 when everyone thought the 1950-D Jefferson nickel was going to be the next great rarity; all because it had the lowest mintage of the series.

Next thing you know, the price for one uncirculated roll would set you back a cool $1200!
Today it still has the lowest mintage. However, the demand isn't nearly as strong as it was in 1964. This has directly affected the price too; because today that same roll will only set you back about $380.

Regarding the Lincoln Cent:
There is an interesting thought that I came upon:
"You'll see a number of 09-S VDBs at any coin show but relatively few 14-Ds."
The first year was saved, but five years later not so.
The 1915-S Barber dime is missing from many a partial set. Yet it can be purchased relatively easily.

The trick is the grade: Goods and Very Goods are out there but Fines and above are more difficult to locate.
Mintage is only one factor. Survivorship is another. Add collector interest and you have three factors to juggle.

That 1913 Half is a prime example. Low mintage, yes. Low survivorship - well, not in grades above very good.
50 cents was big money way back when so they circulated.

Collector interest? Well, I'm not about to tell you what my picks are. After all, I still have a few upgrades to find. A 1915-S Dime in an eye-appealing fine or better will hold its own over time. You won't get rich but you won't regret having purchased it.

And just finding a nice VG in a job lot - THAT'S a good day!