1908 - O And 1914 - D Barber Dime Questions

Can you pose a picture of the rim on each coin where it is affected?

Despite the rim damage and clip or filled edge the ' wear' condition of these is good. The
edges of the coins, if 'normal,' would not add much to value. Sad to say Barber coins in good are
not much in favor. That is why they end up in a junk silver box. HOWEVER...
You can learn much from the two dimes that you selected.

Notice that much of the dentils (the 'teeth') just inside the rims can be seen.
For a good coin that is very desirable. Were you in the market for a higher value/cost dime in good,
say a 1915-S, you would want those same dentils to show.
And the color: looks natural. Did you notice other dimes which appeared to be cleaned during your search?
Or somehow 'off?'

(I wish that I could see the ones that you did NOT select!)
In short, your eyes got a good workout and the search has given you some experience which I hope that you will continue to acquire.

So, both dimes are G-4 with 'problems' BUT they are G-4 nonetheless.

If your budget permits, try to find a nice G-4 Barber quarter in the junk silver box the next time.
WARNING: it will be difficult.

I am STILL working on a complete set of Barber dimes in High VF to XF with nice strikes. I have all 74 (the 1894-S doesn't count) and it is very difficult. A few AU have slipped in as well. They look nice but I keep wanting to do better.

May I ask, are you interested in the Barber dimes for a particular reason?

The web site in my signature is a good source of information for all things Barber.

Don't worry about those little dings to much. Remember your looking through piles of OLD coins and since soft material, lots of dings happen. Still if you didn't pay much, don't worry about that.

An 1898 set of Barbers?
The Indian Head cent and the "V" Nickel [AKA BARBER Nickel!] are doable as well.
Perhaps a Morgan dollar as well?

"Every kid should have a coin that was made 100 years before he/she was born." My thought...

My 100 year old coin (I was born 1951) is an 1851 $1 gold piece. My Great Aunt found it. (She was born in 1900.)
My REGRET is that she had to die before I ever saw it!

But, that 1909-S dime has me intrigued. Any chance of a picture?
That date and mint was missing from both my dad's and Aunt's dime collections taken from circulation.
And also missing from most ebay's "Almost complete sets" offered routinely.

What you paid for the dimes is trumped by the what you have learned.
And just carl's opinion is seconded my me.

In short, a great education can be had for a few dollars and time spent in a junk silver box no matter the denomination.

mini-dude,
Back in the day there were plastic holders. Whitman I think, for five coins from cent through half dollar.
And maybe for cent through dollar if memory serves.

The 1909-S dime, well, it is decent. Do you see the dentils? Some might question the surfaces as being cleaned but that is a common question. I think that it is solid. Really, a G-4 has spent time in a LOT of hands!

You know what, I like your attitude a lot! You approach coins with a search for knowledge which will gain you many friends here and a respect from the dealers you patronize.

The Morgan dollar is ideal for your 1898 goal.
I won't tell the moderators if you don't! It's fine by me.

Confession: I tend to give a LOT of help to collectors when Barber coins are the topic!
Especially circulated examples. I ain't rich and my dime set is affectionately called an everyman's' set.

I believe you're right, I've seen them at my LCS! I'll give those a good consideration! Thanks!

For the 1909-S dime, I think your point about possible surface cleaning is pretty valid. The more I look at the coin, I can see the small micro-scratches that could indicate that it was rubbed around on an abrasive surface at one point during its lifetime. And, yes!, I do see the dentils! I was looking back at the actual coin in front of me and compared it to the picture I posted here...it seems that the dentrils are actually more visible on the picture than in real life. I thought that was interesting...maybe its the slight differences in the angle (and shadow) of the light hitting the coin, and possibly the type of light. Could be my eye, but I tend to see them more in <3000K light temperatures. That observation could be totally arbitrary, but still interesting.

I appreciate the kind words, matthewvincent, it is those like you, and others, who seek to educate the less educated that keep me on this forum. I discovered this quote at the beginning of 2014, and it has been my motto ever since..."He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not, remains a fool forever." I love that this forum is able to allow newcomers to ask questions, and allow veterans to answer in kindness and wisdom. There may be more Barber coins in my future, so I'm honored to have you, and others to advise me through this long and enjoyable adventure!