In the early 1950s, within the memory of many older collectors, well-worn Barber dimes were still being occasionally found in pocket change or by going through rolls of coins obtained at a bank. Familiarity breeds contempt, and there were relatively few serious collectors of such coins in those days. That has now changed to the point that there is strong competition for rare dates with several books and articles to guide the beginning numismatist.
The story of the Barber dime really begins in the 1870s when silver coins began to enter circulation for the first time since they were hoarded during the American Civil War. After the war ended in 1865, paper money reigned supreme until 1873 when the Treasury was finally able to put small silver back into daily use.
Mint Director Henry R. Linderman, who assumed office in April 1873, was not only an energetic official but one who believed that our coins should get periodic facelifts. By the spring of 1876, he had set his sights on the minor silver coinage but did not trust then Chief Engraver William Barber to carry out his directions. Barber was known to disregard authority when it suited his purposes. His son Charles, then an assistant engraver at the Mint, had the same general temperament, and this did not endear him to Linderman either.
The director turned to his counterpart at the
