1873-CC No Arrows Dime – In the fascinating world of rare coins, few treasures generate as much excitement as the elusive 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime. This dime, minted in Carson City during a turbulent year in U.S. coinage history, has long been considered one of the most sought-after rarities by collectors. What makes this particular coin so extraordinary is its extreme scarcity—only three specimens are known to exist in the entire world. Recently, this ultra-rare coin made headlines again by fetching a jaw-dropping $1.8 million at a public auction, rekindling interest and awe in the numismatic community. The sale is not just about a coin—it’s a reflection of history, scarcity, craftsmanship, and collector passion. This dime is not merely 10 cents in face value. It’s a living artifact that bridges the American West, the legacy of Carson City Mint, and the evolution of U.S. coinage laws. The 1873-CC No Arrows Dime represents a transition point—struck in limited quantities before changes in coin weight regulations required new design additions. Below, we explore everything you need to know about this legendary coin, from its history and design to the dramatic auction moment and its investment implications.
Why the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime Is So Rare
This section explores the coin’s background and why it is among the rarest dimes in U.S. history.
- Minted only in Carson City (CC) in early 1873
- Produced before a federal law required arrows on dimes to signify a slight increase in weight
- Most coins were melted down after regulation change
- Only three verified pieces exist today
- Known survivors are in museums or high-end private collections
Comparison: Arrows vs. No Arrows Dimes
To understand the uniqueness, here’s a table comparing the “No Arrows” and “With Arrows” versions from 1873.
| Feature | No Arrows Dime (Early 1873) | With Arrows Dime (Later 1873) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Location | Carson City (CC) | Carson City (CC), others |
| Arrows on Date | Absent | Present |
| Composition Change | No | Yes (slight weight increase) |
| Quantity Minted | Extremely Few | Larger batch |
| Survivors Known | 3 | Thousands |
| Collectible Value | Extremely High | Moderate to High |
| Auction Price (2025) | $1.8 Million | ~$2,000 (graded) |
The Recent $1.8 Million Auction – What Happened?
This incredible sale took place at a major numismatic auction in July 2025. Here’s how the event unfolded:
- The coin was part of a legendary private collection being auctioned off
- Bidding started at $750,000 and quickly escalated
- Fierce competition between three global collectors
- Final hammer price: $1.8 million
- Purchased by an anonymous buyer reportedly based in Europe
The History Behind Carson City Mint and 1873
The Carson City Mint has always been iconic due to its Wild West legacy. Let’s see why 1873 was a unique year for minting:
- The U.S. Mint adjusted silver coin specifications mid-year
- “No Arrows” coins were minted before the change
- The Coinage Act of 1873 caused major monetary reforms
- Carson City, due to its remote location and limited dies, minted only a handful of coins before shifting design
- Most earlier strikes were melted down and lost forever
Design Details of the 1873-CC Dime
This dime belongs to the “Liberty Seated” design series used between 1837–1891. Its key features:
- Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and pole
- No arrows around the date “1873”
- “CC” mintmark below the wreath on reverse
- 10-cent denomination surrounded by wreath on the reverse
- Pure silver content: 90% silver, 10% copper
Investment Value and Market Trends
Rare coins like the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime are more than collector’s items—they’re appreciating historical assets.
- Valuation has risen from $800,000 in early 2010s to $1.8 million in 2025
- Offers a hedge against inflation and market volatility
- Historical and aesthetic appeal adds to value
- Institutions, museums, and billionaires are key buyers
- Public auctions drive price visibility and legitimacy
Where Are the Other Two Coins?
Only three examples of the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime are confirmed. Here’s where they are:
| Serial Number / ID | Ownership | Location | Grade | Last Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Smithsonian Museum | Washington D.C., US | MS-63 | N/A |
| #2 | Private Collector | California, US | AU-58 | 2012 |
| #3 | Anonymous (New Sale) | Unknown (Europe?) | MS-65 | 2025 |
The $1.8 million sale of the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime is a reminder that coins are not just metal—they are time capsules of history. For collectors, this coin is the Holy Grail. For historians, it’s a symbol of American transition and law. And for investors, it represents a solid, tangible asset with explosive appreciation potential. With only three in existence, owning one of these dimes is like holding a key to a lost century.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime so rare?
Only three are known to exist due to design changes and melting of old coins.
Q2. What is the difference between ‘No Arrows’ and ‘With Arrows’?
‘No Arrows’ means the dime was struck before the U.S. Mint added arrows beside the date to indicate a weight change.
Q3. Who bought the coin in 2025?
The buyer remains anonymous but is reportedly based in Europe.
Q4. Can I still find such rare coins today?
Extremely unlikely—these coins are held by museums or ultra-wealthy collectors.
Q5. Is investing in rare coins profitable?
Yes, rare coins often appreciate significantly, especially ultra-low mintage coins like this dime.
What makes the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime so valuable?
Rarity and historical significance drive its high price.
