1873 Seated Liberty Dime Value Guide (2025)
Complete 1873 Seated Liberty dime values from $16 for circulated No Arrows to $3.6M for the unique 1873-CC. Covers Closed 3, Open 3, With Arrows varieties, mint marks, grading, and authentication.
The 1873 Seated Liberty Dime is worth $16 to $3,600,000, with values varying dramatically by type, mint, and condition.
- Common dates (P With Arrows): $20 – $500 circulated
- Key dates (1873-CC With Arrows): $2,900 – $290,000+
- Unique 1873-CC No Arrows: $3.6 million (only 1 known)
- Date varieties: Open 3 worth 2-3x Closed 3 in circulated grades
Values driven by the Coinage Act of 1873 that created No Arrows and With Arrows types, plus extreme Carson City rarity.
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1873 Seated Liberty Dime: A Year of Historic Transformation
1873 Seated Liberty Dime - No Arrows and With Arrows types
The 1873 Seated Liberty Dime represents one of the most complex and historically significant years in 19th-century American coinage. The Coinage Act of February 12, 1873 mandated a weight increase from 2.49 to 2.50 grams, resulting in two distinct design types: "No Arrows" (struck before the act) and "With Arrows" (struck after, featuring arrowheads flanking the date). Values range from $16 for common Philadelphia issues to $3.6 million for the unique 1873-CC No Arrows dime—one of the most famous rarities in U.S. numismatics. This guide provides comprehensive market valuations, identification diagnostics, and authentication advice for all 1873 issues including the scarce Open 3 variety and key Carson City dates.
How to Identify Your 1873 Seated Liberty Dime
Mint mark location on reverse, centered below the bow
No Arrows vs. With Arrows Types
The primary distinction for 1873 dimes is straightforward but critical. No Arrows dimes feature the date "1873" centered below Liberty with empty fields to the left and right. With Arrows dimes display small, distinct arrowheads in the fields immediately left of the "1" and right of the final "3." These arrows are sharply defined on well-struck examples and mark coins struck under the new weight standard.
Closed 3 vs. Open 3 Date Varieties
Closed 3 vs Open 3 date punch varieties
Philadelphia-minted No Arrows dimes come in two date punch styles. The Closed 3 variety shows a numeral "3" where the two curved arcs terminate in knobs that are extremely close together—on worn specimens, the gap is indistinct and may resemble an "8." The Open 3 variety uses a different logotype with widely and clearly separated terminal knobs, easily discernible even on circulated coins. The Open 3, with a mintage of just 60,000, commands significant premiums in all grades.
Mint Mark Identification
Mint marks are located on the reverse, centered below the bow that ties the wreath. Philadelphia issues bear no mint mark. San Francisco coins feature a small "S," and Carson City pieces display the distinctive "CC" mint mark. For 1873-S With Arrows issues, specialists distinguish between "Small, Thin S" and "Small, Block S" varieties, with the latter being scarcer. Always examine mint marks carefully under magnification, as added mint marks are a known method of forgery, particularly for creating fraudulent Carson City issues.
Business Strikes vs. Proofs
Proof dimes were struck at Philadelphia for collectors and feature specially prepared dies and planchets. They exhibit sharper details and mirror-like fields compared to business strikes intended for circulation. Both No Arrows and With Arrows proofs were produced in 1873, each with a mintage of 800 pieces. Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designated proofs, showing exceptional frost on devices against deep mirrored fields, command substantial premiums.
1873 Seated Liberty Dime Price Guide
Market values for 1873 Seated Liberty dimes vary dramatically based on type, mint, date variety, and condition. All prices reflect problem-free, certified coins from NGC and PCGS price guides, supplemented with recent auction results from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and GreatCollections.
1873 (P) No Arrows, Closed 3
Mintage: 1,506,900 | Key Status: Common type coin, scarce in Gem condition
The Closed 3 constitutes the vast majority of No Arrows dimes struck in Philadelphia. While common in circulated grades, problem-free Mint State examples are scarce, with Gem specimens being genuinely rare.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $16 | — |
| VF-20 | $70 | $49 (HA, 2008) |
| EF-40 | $85 | $360 (HA, 2023) |
| AU-50 | $110 | $216 (HA, 2019) |
| MS-60 | $230 | — |
| MS-63 | $525 | $517.50 (HA, 2007) |
| MS-65 | $1,700 | $1,292.50 (HA, 2017) |
| MS-67 | $8,125 | $4,230 MS-66 (HA, 2017) |
1873 (P) No Arrows, Open 3
Mintage: 60,000 | Key Status: Scarce variety, particularly in circulated grades
The Open 3 is a fascinating "sleeper" issue. Its much lower mintage makes it considerably rarer than the Closed 3 in circulated grades. However, a higher proportion was saved by collectors, making Mint State examples relatively more available. This inverted rarity pattern means circulated examples offer exceptional value for specialists.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $35 | — |
| VF-20 | $135 | $88 (GC, 2013) |
| EF-40 | $225 | $384 (HA, 2020) |
| AU-50 | $325 | $240 (HA, 2019) |
| MS-60 | $850 | — |
| MS-63 | $1,750 | $1,527.50 (HA, 2013) |
| MS-65 | $5,000 | $2,585 (HA, 2016) |
| MS-66 | $16,250 | — |
1873-CC No Arrows (Unique)
Mintage: 12,400 (1 known survivor) | Key Status: Legendary rarity
The 1873-CC No Arrows dime is one of the greatest legends in U.S. numismatics. Carson City struck 12,400 dimes before receiving orders to melt all coins under the old weight standard. A single specimen survived—likely one of five sent to Philadelphia for the annual Assay Commission review. Its value is determined solely by public auction, with the most recent sale setting a record $3,600,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2023. The previous sale in August 2012 realized $1,840,000 at Stack's Bowers. Each transaction adds another chapter to this coin's extraordinary pedigree, which includes its status as the final coin acquired by Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. to complete the only comprehensive collection of U.S. coins ever formed.
1873 (P) With Arrows
Mintage: 2,377,700 | Key Status: Common type coin, condition rarity in Gem
This is the most common 1873 issue and the quintessential "type coin" for the 1873-1874 Arrows design. Readily available in circulated grades through About Uncirculated, it becomes scarce in Mint State and rare in Gem condition, with fewer than 20 MS-65 or better examples estimated to survive.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $20 | — |
| VF-20 | $70 | $139 (HA, 2023) |
| EF-40 | $155 | — |
| AU-50 | $310 | $264 (HA, 2020) |
| MS-60 | $480 | — |
| MS-63 | $900 | $960 (HA, 2018) |
| MS-65 | $4,000 | $2,232.50 (HA, 2015) |
| MS-67 | $15,500 | $11,750 MS-66+ (HA, 2015) |
1873-S With Arrows
Mintage: 455,000 | Key Status: Moderately scarce across all grades
With a mintage less than one-fifth of its Philadelphia counterpart, the 1873-S commands solid premiums at every grade level. The jump from circulated to Mint State is particularly pronounced. Specialists distinguish between Small, Thin "S" and Small, Block "S" mintmark varieties, with the latter being scarcer.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $25 | — |
| VF-20 | $200 | $146.40 (HA, 2019) |
| EF-40 | $275 | — |
| AU-50 | $525 | $408 (HA, 2018) |
| MS-60 | $1,000 | — |
| MS-63 | $1,600 | $1,500 (HA, 2022) |
| MS-65 | $10,000 | $7,200 (HA, 2023) |
| MS-67 | $34,000 | $22,325 (SB, 2015) |
1873-CC With Arrows
Mintage: 18,791 | Key Status: Major key date
The 1873-CC With Arrows is a classic American rarity. Its tiny mintage, combined with intense collector demand for Carson City issues, ensures key date status. Numismatic researcher Rusty Goe estimated survival at just 75 to 105 examples in all conditions. The vast majority exhibit porous surfaces from harsh Western environmental conditions. Only two Mint State examples are confirmed, both MS-65, making any uncirculated specimen a world-class prize.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $2,900 | $1,680 G-6 (HA, 2017) |
| VF-20 | $9,500 | $5,250 (HA, 2022) |
| EF-40 | $18,500 | $34,100 XF-45 (GC, 2024) |
| AU-50 | $39,500 | $6,462.50 Details (HA, 2016) |
| MS-60 | $72,500 | — |
| MS-63 | $150,000 | — |
| MS-65 | $290,000 | $199,750 (HA, 2014) |
1873 (P) No Arrows Proof, Closed 3
Mintage: 800 | Key Status: Popular proof type coin
All 1873 No Arrows proofs feature the Closed 3 date style. Struck early in the year for collectors, these coins were sold as part of complete proof sets. With over 300 examples certified by PCGS and NGC combined, they are more available than high-grade business strikes. Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples command significant premiums.
| Grade | Approximate Value | Recent Auction Results |
|---|---|---|
| PR-62 | $400 – $500 | $456 (HA, 2021) |
| PR-63 | $550 – $700 | $576 (HA, 2023) |
| PR-64 | $750 – $1,000 | $552 (SB, 2024) |
| PR-65 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $780 (HA, 2022) |
| PR-66 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $2,640 (SB, 2025) |
| PR-67 | $4,500 – $6,000 | $4,583 PR-66+ (LRCA, 2022) |
| PR-68 | $9,000+ | $9,200 (Superior, 2004) |
1873 (P) With Arrows Proof
Mintage: 800 | Key Status: Popular proof type coin
Struck after the new weight standard was adopted, the With Arrows proof has the same mintage and similar market dynamics as its No Arrows counterpart. It was sold to collectors in the latter half of the year. Survival rates are comparable, and these coins are sought after by type collectors. Cameo and Deep Cameo designated coins carry substantial premiums. Values are estimated based on the No Arrows proof pricing and general market trends.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-62 | $450 – $550 |
| PR-63 | $600 – $750 |
| PR-64 | $800 – $1,100 |
| PR-65 | $1,300 – $2,000 |
| PR-66 | $2,800 – $4,000 |
| PR-67 | $5,000 – $7,000 |
💡 Melt Value Reference
While the numismatic value far exceeds intrinsic worth, 1873 Seated Liberty dimes contain approximately 0.072 troy ounces of silver. At current silver prices, melt value is approximately $3.52. This represents the absolute floor value for damaged, non-collectible specimens only. All problem-free examples trade well above melt.
How to Grade 1873 Seated Liberty Dimes
Grade comparison: VF-20, AU-50, and MS-65
Grading Seated Liberty dimes requires understanding the series' specific wear patterns and distinguishing between circulation wear and striking weakness—particularly important for branch mint issues. The following guide covers grades from Good-4 through MS-67.
Key wear points and grading diagnostics
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58)
Good-4 (G-4): Heavy wear across all design elements. On the obverse, Liberty's figure is visible in outline only, with most details merged. The word "LIBERTY" on the shield is completely worn away or shows only a few letters. Date remains legible. On the reverse, the wreath shows as a flat outline with individual leaves mostly indistinct. This is the lowest collectible grade for problem-free coins.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20): Moderate wear but major design elements remain distinct. On the obverse, Liberty shows moderate wear on head, left breast, and right knee, but details remain separated. The word "LIBERTY" is complete and readable, though letters may be weak. On the reverse, the wreath shows most leaf detail, though highest points are flat. The bow shows definition but some smoothing on high points.
Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): Light wear on highest points only. On the obverse, slight flatness appears on Liberty's head, breast, and knee, but all details remain sharp. "LIBERTY" is bold and complete. On the reverse, only the very highest leaves and bow show slight wear, with most detail crisp. This is an excellent grade for type collectors seeking attractive, affordable examples.
About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Traces of wear on highest points, with considerable mint luster remaining in protected areas. On the obverse, slight friction appears on Liberty's knee, breast, and head. On the reverse, friction on highest wreath leaves and bow. Approximately 50% of original luster remains. This grade represents the threshold between circulated and uncirculated coins.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-67)
Mint State-60 (MS-60): No wear but numerous contact marks and surface imperfections. Luster may be dull or impaired. While technically uncirculated, these coins lack the eye appeal of higher grades. Strike may be weak on some design elements—particularly common on Carson City issues—but this is "as made" and not wear.
Mint State-63 (MS-63): Moderate contact marks and bagmarks, but overall attractive appearance. Luster is present but may be slightly impaired. Strike quality varies. This is often considered the "sweet spot" for collectors seeking uncirculated examples without paying the premium for Gem coins. Scarcity increases significantly at this grade level for most 1873 issues.
Mint State-65 (MS-65): Light, scattered contact marks only, with full, attractive luster. Strike is typically above average. Surfaces show originality with no cleaning or harsh toning. This is the Gem grade where coins become genuinely rare for most 1873 issues. Fewer than 20 examples of the common Philadelphia With Arrows issue are estimated at this level or higher.
Mint State-67 (MS-67): Virtually mark-free with exceptional luster and strike. Only the most minute imperfections are present under magnification. Surfaces are pristine with outstanding eye appeal. This grade represents condition rarity for all 1873 issues and commands substantial premiums. Coins at this level are highly sought after by advanced collectors and investors.
Understanding strike weakness versus wear
Critical: Strike Weakness vs. Circulation Wear
Many branch mint Seated Liberty dimes—particularly from Carson City—were characteristically weakly struck. A coin may show flat areas on Liberty's head, shield details, or reverse leaf tips yet have full mint luster with no actual circulation wear. Expert graders distinguish between inherent striking weakness (a manufacturing characteristic) and circulation wear (loss of original luster and metal from handling). A weakly struck MS-63 coin is preferable to a strongly struck AU-55 coin for most collectors, as mint state status indicates the coin never circulated.
✓ Grading Tip
When examining a coin, rotate it under a light source. Mint luster creates a distinctive "cartwheel" effect as light moves across original surfaces. Circulated coins lose this effect first on high points. If luster is present on both high and low points with no disturbance, any flat areas are likely strike weakness rather than wear.
Collectible Die Varieties and Doubled Dies
1873 With Arrows DDO (Fortin-103/FS-101) - doubling visible on shield
Beyond the major design types and date varieties, specialists seek specific die varieties created during the manufacturing process. The definitive reference for these varieties is the work of Gerry Fortin, whose "Fortin" numbers are used by grading services for attribution.
1873 With Arrows Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) - Fortin-103 / FS-101
This is the most significant and sought-after die variety for 1873. It is a business strike from the Philadelphia Mint with dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye on well-struck examples.
Identification: The doubling is most prominent on the lines of the Union shield held by Liberty. Strong secondary outlines are visible, particularly on the vertical stripes. The letters in the word "LIBERTY" on the scroll across the shield also show clear doubling, with each letter appearing to have a shadow or echo.
Value Impact: This major variety commands substantial premiums over normal 1873 With Arrows dimes. Values are highly dependent on grade and the strength of the doubling. Auction results show wide ranges: a circulated example sold for approximately $1,320, while a high-grade AU Details specimen was listed for over $8,800. Due to rarity, no established price guide exists—values are determined by collector demand at auction.
Collecting Strategy: This variety appeals to both Seated Liberty specialists and doubled die enthusiasts. Even lower-grade examples are desirable given the variety's significance. The doubling is dramatic enough to be appreciated without magnification on problem-free specimens.
1873-S With Arrows Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) - Fortin-101
The San Francisco With Arrows issue is known to exhibit a repunched mintmark variety cataloged by Fortin.
Identification: This variety shows evidence of the "S" mint mark being punched more than once into the reverse die, resulting in a slightly shifted or overlapping secondary image of the "S." The effect is most visible under magnification, appearing as doubled outlines or thickened portions of the mintmark.
Value Impact: Minor RPMs typically add a modest premium, primarily of interest to die variety specialists. No widely published price guide exists for this specific variety. Values depend on the strength and visibility of the repunching and the grade of the coin.
Minor Varieties and Die Markers
The Seated Liberty dime series is rich with minor varieties, including variations in the placement of the date and arrows, as well as minor repunching. These are cataloged in detail by Fortin and in resources like the Cherrypickers' Guide, but generally do not carry significant, widely recognized market premiums unless they are particularly dramatic or visually appealing. Specialists may pay modest premiums for complete die marriage collections, but mainstream collectors typically focus on the major varieties described above.
💡 Variety Resources
For comprehensive die variety information, consult Seated Dime Varieties and the Discovering Seated Liberty Dime Varieties guide. Both PCGS and NGC attribute major varieties on their holders, which can significantly aid authentication and add value at resale.
Mint Errors and Minting Oddities
While specific major error coins from 1873 are not extensively documented in mainstream references, errors common to the 19th-century minting process can be found. The value of such coins is highly individualized and determined on a case-by-case basis at auction, often depending on the dramatic nature of the error and overall eye appeal.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the coin is improperly centered during striking, leaving a portion of the design missing and a blank planchet area visible. The severity and desirability of off-center errors depend on the percentage off-center and whether the date and mint mark remain visible.
Value Factors: Minor off-center strikes (5-10%) typically add modest premiums. Dramatic errors showing 30-50% off-center while retaining a full date and mint mark are highly desirable and can command premiums of several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on grade. An off-center strike missing the date or mint mark reduces collectibility significantly.
Die Cracks, Cuds, and Shattered Dies
These errors result from the die failing under pressure. As dies were used extensively in the 19th century, die cracks are relatively common on Seated Liberty coinage.
Minor Die Cracks: Small raised lines on the coin's surface, corresponding to cracks in the die. These are common and typically add little to no value unless they are particularly dramatic or create an interesting visual effect.
Retained Cuds: A "cud" forms when a piece of the die breaks away, creating a raised blank area on the coin where metal flowed into the void. Large, prominent cuds can add significant value, particularly if they affect major design elements while leaving the date visible.
Shattered Dies: In extreme cases, extensive die cracks create a web-like pattern across the coin's surface. These are rare and highly sought after by error collectors. The 1873-CC With Arrows is known to exhibit a prominent reverse die crack inherited from earlier 1872-CC dies, adding historical interest to surviving examples.
Clashed Dies
Die clashing occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet in between, transferring part of their design to one another. On subsequent strikes, faint images from the opposite side appear on the coin.
Identification: Look for incuse (sunken) or raised lines on one side of the coin that correspond to design elements from the other side. A common example is lines from the reverse wreath visible in the obverse fields around Liberty.
Value Impact: Faint clash marks are extremely common on 19th-century coinage and carry no premium. Strong, highly visible clashes that create a dramatic visual effect can add minor premiums, particularly to coins in lower grades where the error provides additional interest.
⚠️ Error Authentication
Always authenticate significant error coins through a reputable third-party grading service. Post-mint damage can sometimes mimic errors, and unscrupulous sellers may misrepresent damaged coins as mint errors. PCGS and NGC both have error coin specialists who can determine authenticity and assign error designations on their holders.
Authentication and Counterfeit Detection
Cleaned (problem) coin versus original surfaces
The high values commanded by key date 1873 Seated Liberty dimes make this series a target for alteration and counterfeiting. For any 1873-S or 1873-CC dime—particularly Carson City issues—authentication by a reputable third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC is essential, not optional.
Added Mint Marks: The most prevalent and dangerous alteration is the addition of a mint mark to a common Philadelphia issue. Forgers engrave or punch an "S" or "CC" into the reverse below the bow, creating a fraudulent key date. Detection requires careful examination of the mint mark under magnification. Genuine mint marks were punched into working dies before coins were struck, resulting in metal flow around the letters and consistent depth. Added mint marks often appear too sharp, sit incorrectly on the surface, show inconsistent depth, or display tooling marks. The base metal may appear disturbed around suspicious mint marks. Always compare suspected coins to known authentic examples using high-resolution reference images.
Outright Counterfeits: Complete counterfeit 1873 dimes exist, though they are less common than altered coins. These fakes can often be identified by incorrect weight—genuine 1873 dimes weigh 2.49 grams (No Arrows) or 2.50 grams (With Arrows). Non-silver compositions, often copper-nickel-zinc alloys, can be detected with a precious metal verifier. Counterfeits typically show mushy or indistinct details, incorrect fonts for lettering and dates, and incorrect spacing of design elements. The edges may show casting seams or incorrect reeding. When in doubt, always submit high-value coins to professional authentication.
Cleaned Coins: While not counterfeits, cleaned coins represent another category of problem coins that significantly reduce value. Harsh cleaning removes original surfaces and mint luster, leaving telltale signs: unnaturally bright appearance, loss of natural toning, networks of fine parallel scratches (hairlines) visible under magnification, and a dull, lifeless appearance in the fields. Professional grading services will designate cleaned coins as "Details" grades (e.g., "AU Details - Cleaned") rather than assigning straight grades. These coins typically sell for 30-70% less than problem-free examples in the same technical grade.
Tribute and Copy Coins: Be aware of modern reproductions marketed as "tribute" pieces or novelties. These are not genuine coins and have no numismatic value, even if made from pure silver. They are typically marked with "COPY" or other disclaimers, though marks may be small or placed inconspicuously. These items are sold as collectible novelties and should never be purchased as authentic 1873 Seated Liberty dimes.
Professional Grading Services: For any 1873 dime valued over $100, professional certification is strongly recommended. PCGS and NGC employ expert authenticators who use advanced detection methods including spectroscopy, microscopic analysis, and comparison to die diagnostics databases. The cost of certification—typically $30 to $150 depending on declared value—provides insurance against costly mistakes and makes coins significantly more liquid in the marketplace. Certified coins in sonically sealed holders also protect against environmental damage and handling.
Preservation and Long-Term Care
Proper storage and handling protect the condition and value of 1873 Seated Liberty dimes. Silver is a relatively stable metal but can be damaged by environmental factors and improper handling.
Professional Holders: The sonically sealed, inert plastic holders ("slabs") used by PCGS and NGC offer the best protection. These holders are airtight, preventing environmental contamination, and allow viewing without handling the coin. Once slabbed, coins should remain in their holders indefinitely unless being regraded or sold to a buyer who prefers raw coins.
Raw Coin Storage: For unslabbed coins, use inert plastic holders specifically designed for numismatic storage. Avoid PVC-containing flips, which can cause green "PVC damage" over time—a corrosion that permanently destroys surfaces. Mylar or polyethylene flips are safe alternatives. Store coins in a cool, dry, stable environment away from extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and airborne contaminants. A bank safe deposit box provides excellent protection.
Handling Protocol: Raw coins should only be handled by their edges, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Wear soft cotton gloves when handling to prevent transferring skin oils, which can cause spotting and corrosion over time. Hold coins over a soft cloth or padded surface to prevent damage if dropped. Never breathe directly on a coin's surface, as moisture can cause spotting.
The Cardinal Rule of Coin Preservation: Under no circumstances should a collector ever attempt to clean a coin. Any abrasive or chemical cleaning, even with supposedly "safe" products, will permanently damage the coin's surface and destroy numismatic value. What appears to be an improvement often removes microscopic layers of original metal, eliminates natural toning that took decades to develop, and creates hairline scratches visible under magnification. Professional grading services immediately detect cleaned coins and will not assign straight grades. If a coin appears dirty or tarnished, leave it exactly as is—many collectors prefer coins with attractive, original toning over artificially bright surfaces.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Cleaning a coin—even a common one—can reduce its value by 50% or more. Professional numismatists can immediately identify cleaning, and once a coin has been cleaned, the damage cannot be reversed. Natural toning and original surfaces are irreplaceable components of a coin's value and historical integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1873 Seated Liberty Dime worth?
Values range from $16 for common circulated Philadelphia With Arrows issues to $3.6 million for the unique 1873-CC No Arrows specimen. The most important factors are: (1) Type - No Arrows vs. With Arrows, (2) Mint mark - Philadelphia (none), San Francisco (S), or Carson City (CC), (3) Date variety - Closed 3 vs. Open 3 for No Arrows issues, and (4) Condition - circulated coins are affordable while high-grade mint state examples command significant premiums. The 1873-CC With Arrows is a key date worth $2,900+ even in heavily circulated grades. For accurate valuation, have your coin authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC.
What is the difference between No Arrows and With Arrows 1873 dimes?
The Coinage Act of February 12, 1873 mandated a slight weight increase for dimes from 2.49 to 2.50 grams to align with metric standards. To distinguish the new, heavier coins, the U.S. Mint added small arrowheads flanking the date. No Arrows dimes were struck before the act's implementation using the old weight standard. With Arrows dimes were struck after, featuring the arrowheads and new weight. The Mint melted down nearly all remaining No Arrows dimes, making certain issues—particularly the 1873-CC No Arrows—exceptionally rare. The arrows remained through 1874, after which they were removed as collectors had become familiar with the new weight standard.
How do I identify the Closed 3 versus Open 3 variety?
Examine the date numeral "3" under magnification. The Closed 3 variety shows upper and lower knobs that are extremely close together, sometimes appearing to touch or resemble an "8" on worn specimens. The Open 3 variety has clearly separated knobs with obvious space between them, visible even on circulated coins. The Open 3 is significantly scarcer with a mintage of only 60,000 versus 1,506,900 for the Closed 3. In circulated grades, an Open 3 dime is worth 2-3 times more than a Closed 3 of equivalent grade. All proofs and With Arrows issues use the Closed 3 style—this variety only applies to Philadelphia No Arrows business strikes.
Where is the mint mark located on 1873 Seated Liberty Dimes?
The mint mark is located on the reverse, centered below the bow that ties the wreath. Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark (the absence of a mint mark indicates Philadelphia). San Francisco coins display a small "S" and Carson City pieces show "CC." Always examine the mint mark area carefully under magnification on any potential key date, as added mint marks are the most common form of alteration for this series. Genuine mint marks were punched into working dies and show consistent metal flow; added mint marks often appear too sharp or show tooling marks.
Should I get my 1873 dime professionally graded?
Yes, for any 1873 dime worth over approximately $100, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. For Carson City issues or any coin potentially worth over $1,000, professional certification is essential. Grading services authenticate the coin, assign an accurate grade, and encapsulate it in a protective holder. This provides several benefits: (1) Authentication against counterfeits and alterations, (2) Protection against environmental damage, (3) Market liquidity—certified coins sell more easily and for higher prices, and (4) Insurance—the holder provides tamper-evident security. Certification costs $30 to $150 depending on declared value but can significantly increase selling prices and buyer confidence.
Why is the 1873-CC No Arrows dime so valuable?
The 1873-CC No Arrows dime is one of the most famous rarities in U.S. numismatics because only one specimen is known to survive. Carson City struck 12,400 dimes before receiving orders to melt all coins under the old weight standard. Per government directive, the entire mintage was destroyed. One coin survived—likely one of five sent to Philadelphia for the annual Assay Commission review. This unique survivor has legendary provenance: it was the final coin acquired by Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. to complete the only comprehensive collection of U.S. coins ever formed. The combination of absolute uniqueness, Carson City mystique, and extraordinary pedigree drove its value to $3.6 million at auction in January 2023. It represents the ultimate "holy grail" for Seated Liberty collectors.
What is the melt value of a 1873 Seated Liberty Dime?
All 1873 Seated Liberty dimes contain 90% silver and 10% copper. The No Arrows type weighs 2.49 grams (0.072 troy ounces silver); the With Arrows type weighs 2.50 grams (0.072 troy ounces silver). At current silver prices of approximately $1.57 per gram, melt value is approximately $3.52. However, the melt value is of academic interest only—every known 1873 dime in collectible condition trades for a substantial numismatic premium well above its intrinsic silver value. Even common dates in the lowest circulated grade (G-4) sell for $16 to $20, far exceeding melt value. The market for these coins is driven entirely by collector demand, rarity, and condition, not by fluctuations in silver prices.
How can I tell if my coin has been cleaned?
Cleaned coins display several telltale signs: (1) Unnaturally bright or dull appearance compared to original luster, (2) Loss of natural toning that develops over decades, (3) Network of fine parallel scratches (hairlines) visible under magnification, especially in the fields, (4) "Flat" appearance lacking the depth and cartwheel effect of original luster, and (5) Inconsistent color or patina. Professional grading services immediately detect cleaning and will assign "Details" grades (e.g., "AU Details - Cleaned") rather than straight grades. Cleaned coins typically sell for 30-70% less than problem-free examples. If you suspect your coin may be cleaned, have it evaluated by a professional before attempting to sell it. Never attempt to "improve" a coin's appearance yourself—cleaning permanently destroys original surfaces and cannot be reversed.
What is the best grade to collect for value?
The optimal grade depends on your budget and collecting goals. For common Philadelphia With Arrows issues, the "sweet spot" is often AU-50 through MS-63, offering attractive eye appeal without the steep premiums of Gem grades. For key dates like the 1873-CC With Arrows, any problem-free example in a straight grade represents a significant acquisition. For type collectors, EF-40 to AU-50 provides excellent detail at affordable prices for common dates. Serious collectors seeking long-term appreciation focus on MS-65 and higher, as these represent condition rarities with fewer than 20 examples estimated to survive for most 1873 issues. The Open 3 variety offers exceptional value in circulated grades (VF-20 to EF-40) where its true scarcity is most apparent relative to price. Always prioritize problem-free coins with original surfaces over cleaned or damaged specimens in higher technical grades.
Are there any valuable error coins or varieties I should look for?
Yes. The most significant variety is the 1873 With Arrows Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), cataloged as Fortin-103 / FS-101. This Philadelphia business strike shows dramatic doubling on the vertical stripes of Liberty's Union shield and the letters in "LIBERTY." Values range from $1,320 for circulated examples to over $8,800 for high-grade specimens. The 1873-S With Arrows Repunched Mint Mark (RPM), Fortin-101, shows evidence of the "S" being punched multiple times but carries smaller premiums. Common mint errors include off-center strikes (valuable if 30-50% off-center with date visible), retained cuds from broken dies, and dramatic die cracks. The 1873-CC With Arrows is known for a prominent reverse die crack inherited from 1872-CC dies. Always have suspected varieties authenticated by PCGS or NGC, as die diagnostics can be subtle and easily confused with post-mint damage.
Pricing Methodology and Market Disclaimers
Values presented in this guide are derived from multiple authoritative sources including NGC Price Guide, PCGS CoinFacts, and verified auction records from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers Galleries, and GreatCollections. All auction results are dated and sourced to allow verification. Prices reflect retail values for problem-free, certified coins in their assigned grades as of October 2025.
Numismatic markets fluctuate based on collector demand, precious metal prices, economic conditions, and the appearance of significant collections at auction. Prices for rare dates like the 1873-CC With Arrows can vary substantially between individual transactions based on surface quality, strike characteristics, and eye appeal within the same certified grade. Common dates in lower grades show more price stability, while condition rarities in Gem grades (MS-65+) are subject to greater volatility.
For the most current values, consult real-time price guides at PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, and recent auction archives at Heritage Auctions. Professional appraisals are recommended for estate planning, insurance, or significant transactions.
This guide is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice. Past performance of numismatic items does not guarantee future appreciation. Collectors should pursue coins they find historically interesting and aesthetically pleasing rather than viewing them solely as financial investments.
