Coin collecting can be a fascinating hobby, especially when it involves rare coins with unique stories. One such coin is the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime, a remarkable piece minted at the Carson City Mint in Nevada. This dime holds a special place in numismatic history due to its unique design, rarity, and the changes in coin standards it represents. In this article, we will explore the history of the Liberty Seated Dime, the significance of the ‘No Arrows’ feature, and the rarity of the 1873-CC dime.
The Liberty Seated Dime History
Liberty Seated coins were produced in the United States from the 1830s until 1891. The Liberty Seated Dime first appeared in 1837. During this time, various design types of dimes were created. You can find more information about these designs in my recent article about collecting dimes by design type.
In 1853, the U.S. Mint began adding arrows on coins to signal changes in weight standards. These arrows appeared on several denominations, including half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars, but not on silver dollars. This change aimed to reduce the weight of most silver coins, but it was interesting that the silver dollar’s weight did not change at that time.
On coins marked ‘with arrows,’ one arrow is found on each side of the date. The arrow symbols continued until 1855, after which they disappeared. However, in 1873, arrows returned to some U.S. coins due to another change in coin standards.
Changes in Coin Standards in 1873
The Coinage Act of 1873 brought significant changes. This act ended the production of half dimes and temporarily halted silver dollar minting. Instead, the mint began producing Trade Dollars, which were heavier than the standard dimes. Notably, the Liberty Seated Silver Dollar was last minted in 1873.
The 1873 Coinage Act also marked a shift to the metric system for measuring coin weights. The primary reason for reintroducing arrows on coins was to indicate this switch to a new weight standard. This transition confused many Americans at the time, as they were more familiar with traditional weight measurements.
Comparison of Liberty Seated Coin Types
| Coin Type | Minted Years | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Seated Dime | 1837 – 1891 | Various designs, arrows (1853-1855, 1873) |
| Liberty Seated Quarter | 1838 – 1891 | Arrows used in some years, different weights |
| Liberty Seated Half Dollar | 1839 – 1891 | Unique designs, similar weight changes |
Rarity of the 1873-CC Dime
| Condition | Estimated Value | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Well-worn | < $1,000 | Common |
| Mint state | > $10,000 | Rare |
| Unique | $1.5 million | Extremely Rare |
The Significance of Arrows on Coins
The arrows on coins served as visual indicators of weight changes. Although there are no specific reasons for using arrows for only a few years in the 1850s and 1870s, they played an essential role in signaling important changes in U.S. coinage. Interestingly, U.S. gold coins did not have arrows, as their weight standards did not change significantly after 1850.
Rarity of the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ Dime
Among the Liberty Seated coins, the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime is exceptionally rare. This dime was minted before the 1873 Coinage Act took effect, making it one of the few coins without the ‘with arrows’ feature. Dimes from the Carson City Mint during this period are scarcer compared to those from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints.
Current Market Value
The unique 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime has attracted significant interest among collectors. While a well-worn version of this dime might cost less than $1,000, a ‘mint state’ version could easily exceed $10,000. In fact, it was sold for $550,000 in an auction and later reached a value of over $1.5 million.
Conclusion
The 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime is more than just a coin; it represents a unique moment in U.S. history, marked by changes in coin standards and design. Its rarity and the story behind it make it a prized possession for collectors. Coins from the Carson City Mint hold a special allure, and the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime stands out as an exceptional piece of numismatic history. The story of this unique dime illustrates how changes in policy can impact the value and rarity of coins, making it a fascinating topic for anyone interested in coin collecting.
FAQ’s
What is a Liberty Seated Dime?
The Liberty Seated Dime is a U.S. coin minted from 1837 to 1891, featuring a design of Liberty seated on a rock.
What does ‘No Arrows’ mean on a dime?
‘No Arrows’ indicates that the coin was minted before the 1873 Coinage Act, which reintroduced arrows on coins to signify weight changes.
Why are coins from the Carson City Mint rare?
Carson City Mint coins are rare because fewer were produced compared to those from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints.
What is the significance of the 1873 Coinage Act?
The 1873 Coinage Act introduced the metric system for measuring coin weights and ended the production of half dimes.
How much is the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime worth today?
The unique 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime is valued at over $1.5 million due to its rarity and historical significance.