An expert has confirmed that only nine rare US coins from 130 years ago are in existence, and each is worth millions.

American history can be preserved through the ownership of rare United States coins, which can also become valuable family heirlooms.

The 1894-S Barber dime is highly sought after by collectors.

Between 1892 and 1916, barber dimes were minted at four different locations. However, in 1894, only 24 were produced in San Francisco, with only nine of them surviving.

Dimes have become one of the most sought-after, mysterious, and prized rarities in U.S. history, according to Blanchard & Company, a rare coin and precious metal firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Blanchard's senior portfolio manager, David Zanca, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the coin's rarity is what makes it so valuable.

Although rarity is essential to create value, it requires a compelling story. This coin boasts immense rarity and an intriguing tale. Specifically, it is a rare coin with a history linked to a young girl named Hallie [Daggett] and ice cream cones.

After leaving the San Francisco Mint, where her father was a supervisor, Hallie Daggett bought ice cream with one of the brand-new dimes she picked up and saved the other two until the 1950s.

According to Blanchard & Company's website, San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett decided to mint a few dimes with the current date for his banker friends who were informed that no dimes would be produced that year.

"After striking the dimes, Mr. Daggett gave 3 to his daughter Hallie, instructing her to save them until she was as old as he was, as they would become valuable someday."

Unfortunately, children sometimes disregard their parents' advice, as the theory suggests that Hallie Daggett bought ice cream using one of the three Barber dimes.

The "King of the Mint" is the namesake of the coin, and he was the chief engraver, Charles E. Barber.

In 1917, the Mint's sixth chief engraver was Barber, who held the position until his demise.

According to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, he designed approximately thirty medals, including presidential inaugural medals and American Indian peace medals.

Barber's portraiture was praised by contemporaries and collectors, and his designs were influenced by English styles and classical antiquity.

The coin depicts "Miss Liberty" facing right, wearing a wreath with "liberty" written above her forehead, made of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Despite the mystery surrounding the San Francisco Mint's production of only 24 coins, Blanchard & Company reports that when one of these coins appears on the market, wealthy collectors eagerly purchase it.

Rare coins in the United States provide a comprehensive history of the country, connecting individuals to its past from the time of its founding to the present.

On three separate occasions, Blanchard & Company has sold this coin, setting the price at $1,550,000, $1,900,000, and $2,200,000.

Zanca said he has seen an uptick in Americans purchasing rare coins.

"The shift away from using the dollar as a long-term storage of wealth is not limited to the US investor's mindset but is happening globally."

Zanca stated that the location of the coins in the U.S. is part of an enigma.

If the mint director had all 24 and gave 3 to his daughter, he might have thought nothing of just putting the others in circulation. They could be privately stashed away or in someone's loose change, Zanca said.

Before determining if you have a Barber dime, ensure that the date is 1894, Zanca advised.

On the lower obverse (front) of the coin, you will find the date. Additionally, the mintmark on the coin indicates where it was minted.

"The mintmark is located on the reverse of the coin just below the wreath on a Barber dime. No mintmark indicates a Philadelphia minted coin. An O mintmark denotes a New Orleans minted coin. An S signifies a jackpot – maybe."

Zanca said more counterfeits do exist than the original dimes.