Could you own a $2 million 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime? Here’s how to identify it!
Have you ever wondered in case your early life piggy bank, an old field in your attic, or a family heirloom passed down via generations could keep an extraordinary coin well worth as much as $2 million ?
It might also sound unbelievable, however it is genuine! The 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime is one of the rarest coins within the US. This tiny silver coin has bought for over $2 million at auctions to this point. One precise edition minted in Carson City, Nevada is so uncommon that handiest one known specimen has been located so far.
If you are a coin collector, interested by history, or simply love memories of such mysterious and treasured treasures, this newsletter is for you. Here we can speak in element the records of this uncommon coin, its features and methods to identify it.
1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime: A Historical Heirloom

Feature | Details |
---|---|
Coin Name | 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime |
Mint | Carson City (CC), Philadelphia (P) |
Mintage (CC) | 12,400 (nearly all melted down) |
Surviving Known (CC) | Only 1 example known |
Auction Record | $3.6 million (Heritage Auctions, 2021) |
Identification Clue | No arrows beside the date; ‘CC’ mintmark on reverse |
Official Resource | NGC Coin Explorer |
The ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime of 1873 isn’t just an regular silver coin, but it is a valuable a part of the records of America. Especially the Carson City Mint is so uncommon that most effective one licensed specimen of it has been discovered until date.
The tale of this coin has always been interesting for historians and creditors. Even in case you aren’t a hit in locating this rare coin, studying the art of coin identification can still assist you find out different treasured cash. Who knows, your next huge treasure can be hidden in a pile of old coins in your property!
Interesting History of 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Dime
To apprehend the actual cost of this coin, we need to understand the situations of America in 1873.
This yr the U.S. Congress exceeded the Coinage Act of 1873, which modified the standards for plenty coins. Under this new regulation, the weight of the silver dime was lightened, and small arrows were added on both facet of the coin’s 12 months (1873) to mirror this change.
But the real turning point came when some coins were made without arrows before the law went into effect, and these are called the “No Arrows” Seated Liberty Dime.
The Carson City Mint had most effective made 12,400 of those coins earlier than this alteration. But after the brand new regulation went into effect, almost all of those coins had been melted down in order that they may be re-minted to the brand new requirements.
So a ways, best ONE 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ Dime has survived this method, making it not simplest rare, however additionally the ONLY SURVIVING PROOF in U.S. Coin history.
WHY IS THE 1873-CC ‘NO ARROWS’ DIME WORTH MILLIONS?
Rarity + Historical Significance = Skyrocketing Price
Coin collectors know the rule that “The rarity of a coin determines its value.” But the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ Dime is not only rare, it’s also a living piece of American history.
Here are the reasons behind its exorbitant price:
- Very low minting (only 12,400 coins)
- Almost all the coins were melted
- Only one certified coin exists to date
- It marks a significant change in US currency law
Comparatively, it would be like selling the only surviving photograph in history to a collector. Anyone who understands its importance would be willing to spend millions for it.
Record-breaking auction sale
The only 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime ever found has been sold at auction several times and its price skyrocketed each time.
- 2012: This coin sold for $1.84 million.
- 2021: It set a new record and sold for $3.6 million.
The price is not due to its metal (silver), but rather to its historical heritage, unique rarity and reputation among collectors.
How to Identify an 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime?

If you think you have an old U.S. coin, here are a few things to look for:
1. Look at the Date of the Coin
- The coin must have 1873 imprinted on it.
- There are two types of number “3” on this year’s coins:
- Closed 3: In which the lines of the “3” are closer together.
- Open 3: In which there is more space between the turns of the “3”.
2. Check for Arrows
- If 1873 has small arrows on either side, this coin is the ‘With Arrows’ version, and is not as rare.
- If there are no arrows, you are on the right track!
3. Find the Mintmark
- On the reverse side of the coin, look for the mintmark (CC) under the leaves.
- If it says CC (Carson City), it may be extremely rare.
- If there is no mintmark, it may be a Philadelphia Mint coin, which is rare but not as rare as the Carson City version.
Do you have this coin? How to verify and appraise it
1. Do not clean the coin
Any cleaning can deprive the coin of its value. Keep it as is.
2. Use a magnifying glass
Use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine the coin’s fine features.
3. Contact a professional grading service
Organizations like the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) can verify its value and authenticity.
4. Have it appraised by a coin dealer or auction house
Get an appraisal done by a reputable auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Could you have the next rare coin?
This kind of discovery is exciting! So, check out your old coins. Your next big fortune might just be lying within reach in the form of an old coin!
FAQs
What makes the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime so valuable?
Its extreme rarity, historical significance, and the fact that only one Carson City specimen is known to exist.
How many 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dimes were originally minted?
A total of 12,400 were struck, but almost all were melted due to the Coinage Act of 1873.
How much is the only known 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime worth?
It sold for $3.6 million at auction in 2021, setting a record for the coin.