The 1873‑CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime has surged into the elite echelon of numismatic treasures. Graded MS‑65, this one-of-a-kind dime recently smashed auction records—solidifying its place among history’s most valuable U.S.
coins. Here’s an in-depth, SEO-optimized analysis of its journey, design, rarity, and staggering auction performance.
What Makes the 1873‑CC No Arrows Dime So Rare?
In early 1873, the U.S. Coinage Act mandated a weight increase for dimes. Coin dies bearing “arrows at the date” were then introduced to signal the change.
At the Carson City Mint (CC), a tiny batch of 12,400 dimes were struck before the arrowed dies arrived—resulting in one surviving no‑arrows variety. This solitary specimen, produced using the original weight (2.48 g), is unique.
Design & Specifications
Designed by James Barton Longacre and struck at Carson City, this dime exhibits classic Seated Liberty artistry:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Mint | Carson City (“CC”) |
| Date/Variety | 1873‑CC, No Arrows |
| Weight | 2.48 g |
| Composition | 90 % silver, 10 % copper |
| Diameter | 17.90 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mintage | 12,400 (unique survivor) |
| Grade | PCGS MS‑65 |
| Current Rarity | 1 known, unique specimen |
| Notable Die Crack | Through “CC” mintmark |
Historical Provenance
- Minted March 3, 1873, in a short window between original and arrow-dated dies .
- Later surfaced in the Battle Born Collection, sold in 2012 for $1.84 million
- Acquired by numismatic legend Louis E. Eliasberg Sr., completing his historic U.S. type set in 1950
- Auctioned again in January 2023 (Heritage FUN auction) for a record $3.6 million
Record-Breaking Auction Milestones
- 2012 (Stack’s Bowers): Sold for US $1.84 million—first private owner transaction
- 2023 (Heritage Auctions, FUN): Certified MS‑65, fetched an astounding $3.6 million, nearly doubling its previous high
Rarity in Context
- Only one example is confirmed in existence, graded MS‑65
- PCGS rarity rating: R-10.0, the highest level, with a Survival Estimate of just 1 coin across grades
- Die crack through mintmark adds a unique identifying feature
Why Collectors Prize It
- Unmatched Rarity: Complete absence of competing specimens.
- Historical Significance: A relic from a pivotal reform era.
- Top‑Condition Rarity: High-grade MS‑65 condition is usually unheard-of.
- Proven Pedigree: Once owned by Eliasberg and coveted by collectors globally.
In summary, the 1873‑CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime stands as the ultimate numismatic treasure: unique, historically profound, and record-breaking in value. Its story encapsulates American minting history—etched in silver and sealed in legend.
FAQs
Why is the dime called “No Arrows”?
It was struck before arrow dies were introduced post-1873 weight change. Therefore, it lacks the “arrows at date” design element
How many of these coins exist?
Only one is known, making it absolutely unique .
What’s the highest value ever paid?
The record auction price is $3.6 million, achieved at Heritage Auctions in January 2023