$2 Million 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime: Have you ever wondered if a rare coin tucked away in your childhood piggy bank, an old box in the attic, or a passed-down family keepsake could be worth millions? Believe it or not, such a scenario is entirely possible thanks to the legendary 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime — one of the rarest coins in American history. This tiny silver piece of change has fetched over $2 million at auction, and a specific version minted in Carson City, Nevada, is so rare that only one known specimen has ever been found.
Whether you’re a budding collector, a history buff, or just someone who likes treasure-hunting stories, this guide walks you through the mystery, history, and value of this elusive coin. By the end, you’ll not only know what makes it special but also how to spot a potential jackpot in your own coin collection.
$2 Million 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime
| 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 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime is more than just a piece of silver — it’s a slice of American history. The Carson City version, with only one known example, stands as a monument to rarity, mystery, and monetary potential. Its tale continues to inspire collectors and historians alike.
Even if you never uncover the elusive million-dollar dime, the skills you gain by learning to spot rare coins can lead you to other valuable discoveries. So, keep looking. Your next hidden treasure might be closer than you think — maybe even in your own pocket change.
The Fascinating History Behind the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Dime
To appreciate the value of this coin, it helps to understand what was happening in America in 1873. That year, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1873, which redefined the standards for several U.S. coins. Among the changes was a subtle alteration to the weight of the silver dime, prompting the Mint to add tiny arrows on either side of the year on the coin to signify the new weight.
But here’s the twist: before this law went into effect, a small number of dimes were struck without arrows — these are what we call ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dimes. The Carson City Mint, one of the lesser-producing branches of the U.S. Mint, struck 12,400 of these dimes early in the year. But after the weight change was enacted, almost all of them were melted down to comply with the new law.
Only one 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime is known to have survived the melting pot, making it not just rare — but singular in U.S. history.
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Why Is the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ Dime Worth Millions?
Rarity + Historical Significance = Skyrocketing Value
Coin collectors, or numismatists, often say that rarity drives value. But with the 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dime, it’s not just about rarity — it’s about exclusive survival. Here’s what makes this coin so valuable:
- Minuscule mintage: Only 12,400 were made.
- Mass melting: Nearly every one of them was destroyed.
- Single known survivor: Only one verified coin is known.
- Historical importance: A direct result of a pivotal U.S. coinage law.
This combination of circumstances creates a perfect storm of numismatic appeal. Owning this coin would be like owning the only existing photograph of a historical event — priceless to the right collector.
Record-Breaking Auction Sales
The only known example has made headlines several times:
- 2012: The coin was sold for a staggering $1.84 million at an American Numismatic Association (ANA) convention.
- 2021: It reached a new peak, fetching $3.6 million through Heritage Auctions.
These numbers aren’t tied to the coin’s metal content — they reflect history, rarity, and collector prestige.
How to Spot the 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime
Before you run to your coin jar, here’s a practical guide on what to look for:
1. Look at the Date
Ensure the coin shows the date 1873. But there’s more: that year’s coins came in two varieties based on the number “3.”
- Closed 3: The loops of the 3 are closer together.
- Open 3: The loops have more space and are easier to distinguish.
Both are collectable, but the Closed 3 is typically more sought after.
2. Check for Arrows Beside the Date
Look carefully at either side of the date. If you see small arrows, your coin is from later in 1873 — after the weight change. The absence of arrows is what you want.
3. Find the Mintmark
Flip the coin to its reverse side. Just beneath the wreath is the mintmark. You’re hoping to see “CC”, which stands for Carson City Mint.
- CC: Jackpot! If it’s a no-arrows 1873, this could be a multi-million-dollar coin.
- No mintmark: Likely from the Philadelphia Mint, still potentially valuable.
4. Examine the Design
The Seated Liberty design features Lady Liberty sitting on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a cap and resting her hand on a shield inscribed with “Liberty.” Make sure the design matches the Seated Liberty standard, and look for excessive wear, which may obscure key details.
What About the Philadelphia ‘No Arrows’ Dimes?
The Philadelphia Mint also struck ‘No Arrows’ dimes in 1873 — but far more of them. While they’re not unique, they’re still historically significant and highly collectable, especially in uncirculated condition.
- Total mintage: Approximately 1,568,600.
- Common varieties: Open 3 and Closed 3.
- Value range: From $15 for worn examples to several thousand dollars for uncirculated, graded coins.
Owning a Philadelphia 1873 ‘No Arrows’ dime may not make you a millionaire, but it’s still a fantastic piece of American history.
How to Authenticate and Appraise Your Coin
Think you’ve got something special? Here’s how to be sure:
Step 1: Don’t Clean the Coin
Cleaning a coin — even gently — can significantly reduce its value. Always leave it as-is until a professional has examined it.
Step 2: Use a Magnifying Glass or Coin Microscope
Look closely at the date, edges, mintmark, and condition. These fine details are often missed with the naked eye.
Step 3: Contact a Professional Grading Service
Submit your coin to one of the major grading companies for authentication:
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
These services grade your coin’s condition and encapsulate it in a tamper-proof holder, giving it added trust and marketability.
Step 4: Get a Valuation from Dealers or Auction Houses
Reach out to:
- Trusted local coin dealers
- National outlets like Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions
- Numismatic shows and expos
A second opinion never hurts, especially when you’re dealing with something potentially worth thousands — or millions.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Collectors
Whether you’re starting out or adding to your collection, here are some tips to build your numismatic knowledge:
- Start with modern coins and work backward as you gain confidence.
- Use coin folders or albums to track and preserve your collection.
- Subscribe to coin magazines or join online forums like CoinTalk or Reddit’s r/coins.
- Watch experts on YouTube, such as CoinWeek and Couch Collectibles.
- Join your local coin club and attend coin shows or auctions in your area.
Learning is part of the fun — and it’s how you’ll be ready when a rare treasure shows up in front of you.
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FAQs About $2 Million 1873 ‘No Arrows’ Seated Liberty Dime
What is the value of a regular 1873 Seated Liberty Dime?
It depends on condition and mint mark. Philadelphia ‘No Arrows’ versions can range from $15 to over $1,000.
How many 1873-CC ‘No Arrows’ dimes exist?
There is only one known example in existence. It is held in a private collection.
Where was the 1873-CC dime minted?
At the Carson City Mint in Nevada, which operated from 1870 to 1893.
How can I get my coin professionally graded?
Submit it to either NGC or PCGS online. You may need to go through an authorized dealer.
Can I still find this coin in circulation?
It’s extremely unlikely. But you could stumble across one in an estate collection, garage sale, or family inheritance.
