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The Barber design was named after the US Mint's Chief Engraver, William Barber. The coins were in circulation from 1892-1916, but the half dollar wasn't minted the last couple of years before the series ended. The Seated Liberty design had run its course and the Mint's Director, Edward Leech, wanted to officially change the design. Holding a competition, Leech wanted to encourage participation by giving the winner a cash prize. All of the local artists invited declined and Leech resorted to his mint for direction. William Barber was ultimately assigned the task to create a new design for the US currency, that would replace the Seated Liberty.
Barber used the Head of Liberty to grace the obverse of the Barber coin series. Liberty's look is inspired by a Grecian Goddess and she wears an Acanthus leaf cap as a crown. "United States of America," and the coin's mint date are also simply stamped on the obverse of the Barber Dime. The reverse usually contains the nation's official seal, which is of a heraldic eagle holding a shield. Each of the eagle's talons are grasping a symbolic gesture: olive branches and arrows. But the Barber Dime was too small for such a design so its reverse was kept simple. "One dime" is inscribed on the reverse, surrounded by a Grecian leaf crown. The 1909 Barber Dime is in extra fine condition, exhibiting wear on both sides of the coin. Since AU is the highest condition Barber Dimes normally can be found in, extra fine is the next best condition! Collectors also enjoy extra fine since they usually can count on high quality coins for a low premium. The 1909 Barber Dime was minted by the infamous Philadelphia Mint and carries no mint-mark.