The $2 Million 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime—How to Spot This Rare Coin!

If you’re a fan of coin collecting or just starting to explore the hobby, you might have heard about the famous 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime. This coin is considered one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. dimes in history. In fact, one of these coins sold for nearly $2 million at auction. But what makes this dime so special? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at its history, how to spot it, and why it’s so valuable. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a beginner, understanding the significance of this dime can help you learn more about U.S. coins.

What is the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime?

The 1873 Seated Liberty Dime was part of the U.S. coinage from 1837 to 1891, during a time of rapid growth and change in America. It features a seated figure of Lady Liberty on the front, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap on top in one hand, and resting her other hand on a shield. The reverse shows the words “ONE DIME” inside a wreath made of agricultural items, symbolizing America’s economy at the time.

In 1873, the U.S. Mint changed the way silver coins were made. The Coinage Act of that year required that the weight of the dime be adjusted, and small arrows were added next to the date on newly minted dimes to indicate this change. However, a few early dimes minted before this change lacked the arrows. These coins became known as the “No Arrows” dimes.

Why is the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime So Valuable?

The 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime is considered highly valuable for several reasons:

• Extreme Rarity: The most valuable version of this coin, the 1873-CC (minted in Carson City), is incredibly rare. In fact, only one known 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime has ever been found, making it one of the most unique and sought-after coins in the world.
• Historical Importance: This coin marks a major shift in U.S. coinage and monetary policy, which makes it significant not only to collectors but also to historians.
• High Demand Among Collectors: The rarity, historical importance, and stories surrounding the coin add to its allure for collectors. These coins fetch high prices in auctions because they are so scarce and valuable.
• Auction Performance: In 2012, the only known 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime sold for $1.84 million at an auction, proving just how valuable this coin is to the right buyer.

How to Spot an Authentic 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime

If you think you might have found an 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime, it’s important to know how to verify its authenticity. Here are some key features to look for:

Obverse (Front)

• The coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, with a liberty pole in her left hand and a shield with the word “LIBERTY” in her right hand.
• The date “1873” is centered at the bottom of the coin, and there are no arrows next to the date.

Reverse (Back)

• The reverse shows the words “ONE DIME” inside a wreath of agricultural products.
• If the coin is from Carson City, there will be a mint mark “CC” below the wreath. Coins without a mint mark were minted in Philadelphia.

Date Variety

• There are two styles for the number “3” in the date “1873”:
  • Open 3: The upper and lower parts of the “3” are clearly separate.
  • Closed 3: The curves of the “3” nearly touch, making it resemble the number “8.”

Both varieties are considered valuable, though collectors often argue about which one is more valuable.

Size and Composition

• Weight: Approximately 2.49 grams
• Diameter: 17.9 mm
• Metal Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

How to Authenticate and Protect Your Coin

Given its high value, counterfeit versions of the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime are common. Here’s how you can confirm that your coin is genuine:

1. Check for the Arrows: Real ‘No Arrows’ dimes will not have arrows beside the date. If you see arrows, it’s not the rare version.
2. Look for the Mint Mark: If there’s no mint mark, the coin was minted in Philadelphia. A “CC” mint mark means it was minted in Carson City – an extremely rare version.
3. Verify Size and Weight: Use precise tools like a digital jeweler’s scale to measure the weight and diameter. Counterfeit coins often don’t match the original specifications.
4. Get Professional Help: If you’re unsure, send the coin to a professional grading service like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for authentication and certification.

Storing and Selling Your 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime

If you think you own an 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime, preserving its condition is key. Here are some tips on how to store and sell it:

• Handle with Care: Always use cotton gloves to handle the coin. Oils and dirt from your fingers can damage it.
• Get It Graded: Professional grading involves placing your coin in a protective, tamper-proof case. This helps maintain its value.
• Proper Storage: Store the coin in a fireproof safe or a climate-controlled vault. Avoid PVC plastic holders, as they can cause damage over time.
• Selling the Coin: If you’re ready to sell, choose reputable auction houses like Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions, which have the proper audience and processes for selling rare coins.

The 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Its scarcity, historical importance, and the stories behind it make it highly sought after by collectors. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these coins, it’s essential to know how to spot an authentic version, preserve it properly, and take the necessary steps to sell or auction it. With the right knowledge, you can ensure that this valuable piece of American history continues to shine in your collection.

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