PCGS No: 4813

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 666,000
Proofs: 0

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Diameter: 17.9 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 90%
Copper - 10%

Weight: ±2.5 grams

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: "O" (for New Orleans, Louisiana) just below the wreath on the reverse

Images courtesy of David Lawrence Rare Coins

More complete information is available on the CoinFacts CD-Rom, including:
     Significant examples
      Recent appearances at auction
      Variety information
To purchase the CoinFacts CD-Rom, click here.  To see a sample page of extra information, click here.

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>1

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

Sources and/or recommended reading:
1. "The Complete Guide To Certified Barber Coinage" by David & John Feigenbaum

"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service