Rare 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime Sells for $2 Million at Auction

In the world of rare coins, some pieces are more than simply collectibles — they’re real treasures. One shining instance is the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime, a mythical coin that captured headlines while it sold for a magnificent $2 million at public sale.

Here’s the captivating tale in the back of this dime, why it’s so uncommon, and what makes it well worth a small fortune.

A Rare Mistake from a Transitional Year

The 1870s have been a time of foremost modifications for U.S. Currency. In 1873, the Coinage Act standardized the burden of many silver coins, along with the dime. To symbolize this modification, the U.S. Mint added tiny arrows on both aspect of the date on maximum coins minted that year.

However, a few dimes were mistakenly struck without these arrows — using leftover dies from before the law modified. These dimes, referred to as the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dimes, have been never intended to be launched and are now many of the rarest coins in American history.

Why the 1873 ‘No Arrows‘ Dime Is So Valuable

Several factors contribute to the incredible value of this coin:

• Extreme Rarity: Only a handful are acknowledged to exist today.
• Historical Significance: It represents a completely unique moment in U.S. Minting records.
• Condition: The higher preserved the coin, the higher its fee. The one that sold for $2 million was in near-pristine condition.
• Collector Demand: Serious collectors are willing to pay top dollar for pieces this rare, creating fierce competition when one appears at auction.

In short, it’s the perfect storm of rarity, history, and pristine preservation that drove this dime to such astronomical heights.

Distinguishing Features of the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ Dime

For enthusiasts aiming to identify this rare coin, key characteristics include:

• Obverse (Front): Depicts Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole crowned with a Phrygian cap in her left hand and resting her right hand on a defend inscribed with “LIBERTY.” The date “1873” is prominently displayed beneath, drastically with out arrows on either side.​
• Reverse (Back): Features the inscription “ONE DIME” encircled by using a wreath composed of numerous agricultural merchandise, symbolizing the country’s prosperity at some stage in that technology.​
• Mint Mark: The presence of the “CC” mint mark underneath the wreath on the opposite side shows its starting place from the Carson City Mint.​

The Record-Breaking Auction

The $2 million sale happened at a prestigious numismatic auction, wherein bidding became extreme from the instant the coin was introduced. Collectors and traders from round the arena vied for the opportunity to personal this slice of records. In the give up, a personal collector secured the winning bid, setting a record for this specific issue.

Experts say it’s no longer simply the coin’s scarcity that fueled the high fee — it is also the developing trend of traders treating uncommon cash as alternative belongings, much like high-quality artwork or conventional cars.

Factors Contributing to Its Value

Some factors account for the premium value of the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime:

• Uniqueness: It’s the only one known to exist, and so it is a one-of-a-kind item for collectors.
• Condition: Graded Mint State 65, it shows minimal wear and outstanding detail.​
• Historical Significance: Its association with the Carson City Mint provides a rich historical context.

How to Tell If You Have a Valuable 1873 Dime

If you come across an 1873 Seated Liberty Dime, here’s what to check:

• Look for arrows: If arrows appear next to the date, it’s a regular 1873 dime.
• No arrows? You might have something extraordinary — but beware, reproductions exist.
• Condition matters: The higher the grade (meaning fewer scratches, nicks, and wear), the higher the potential value.
• Authentication is essential: If you think you’ve struck gold, have the coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Conclusion

The 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime is the closing prize for collectors — a testomony to the magic and mystery hidden in small pieces of history. While the odds of locating one are fairly slim, testimonies like this encourage collectors and casual treasure hunters alike to take a better have a look at the cash they come upon.

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