PCGS Nos: 4812, 4881

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 10,868,533
Proofs: 731

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Diameter: 17.9 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 90%
Copper - 10%

Weight: ±2.5 grams

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (for Philadelphia) just below the wreath on the reverse

Images courtesy of David Lawrence Rare Coins

Notes:
"This year is typical of those to come: the P-mint is fairly common and 1897-O & S fairly scarce. Surprisingly, the 1897-O with its very low mintage has almost double the certified population of the 1897-S. Also surprising is the fact that the O-mint is currently valued above the 1897-S. This makes the 1897-S one of the best kept secrets of the Barber dime series.

Strikes for this year are typical of the three mints in general, with the 1897-S being the best (but rarely proof-like) and the 1897-O the worst."

<sup>The finest Uncirculated examples graded by PCGS are 3 MS-67's.

The finest Proof examples graded by PCGS are 3 PR-68's.</sup>

^{The finest Proof Cameo example graded by PCGS is a single PRCA-68.}

^{The finest Proof Deep Cameo examples graded by PCGS are 2 PRDC-66's.}