Imagine finding a dime in your pocket worth $6.5 million. The 1873-CC Liberty Dime isn’t just a coin—it’s a numismatic legend that sparks dreams.
This tiny silver piece carries tales of history, rarity, and unbelievable luck. Let’s explore why it’s a treasure hiding in plain sight and how it became a collector’s holy grail.
A Coin Forged in a Shifting Era
In 1873, America was a nation on the move—railroads linked coasts, and money rules were changing. The Coinage Act of 1873 reshaped silver coins, pushing the country toward a gold standard.
At the Carson City Mint, 12,400 No Arrows dimes were struck before the new rules took hold. Most were melted down, but one No Arrows 1873-CC dime survived the crucible.
The No Arrows Rarity
Before the Act, dimes had no arrows by the date—simple and elegant. After the law, arrows signaled a slight weight increase from 2.48 grams to 2.5 grams.
That single No Arrows survivor became a numismatic unicorn. Its one-of-a-kind status drives its astronomical value today.
Carson City: The Frontier Mint
The Carson City Mint wasn’t a coin-making giant—it was a small Nevada outpost. Its “CC” mint mark screams rarity, as it produced tiny batches compared to bigger mints.
The 1873-CC dime embodies that Wild West grit. The No Arrows version is the rarest of them all, a true gem.
A Design Steeped in Symbolism
The obverse features Lady Liberty seated, clutching a staff and shield—symbols of strength and freedom. The reverse shows a wreath encircling “ONE DIME,” with the CC mark below.
This design, crafted by Christian Gobrecht, wasn’t just art—it was America’s identity in silver. The No Arrows dime carries that legacy forward.
Also Check: The Great $590M Coin Hunt, Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Treasures
The Climb to $6.5 Million
This dime’s journey to $6.5 million spans over a century of auctions and collectors. In 1878, it sold for $170 in the John Swan Randall Collection—a steal by today’s standards.
By 1996, it hit $550,000 in the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. sale. In 2023, it fetched $3.6 million at Heritage Auctions, with estimates now soaring to $6.5 million.
A Pedigree of Legends
This coin passed through the hands of numismatic giants like Waldo C. Newcomer, Abe Kosoff, and James A. Stack. Each sale boosted its fame and price as collectors vied for ownership.
Graded MS-65 by PCGS—near-flawless with brilliant luster—it’s a trophy coin. Its storied past only adds to its allure.
Why So Valuable?
Only one No Arrows 1873-CC dime exists—rarity doesn’t get more extreme. Add the Coinage Act’s historical weight and pristine condition, and you’ve got a multimillion-dollar prize.
Collectors aren’t just buying metal—they’re claiming a piece of America’s monetary evolution. That’s why it outshines most luxury assets.
The Auction Frenzy
Auctions for this dime are like heavyweight boxing matches—bidders go all in. The 2023 sale saw gasps as it smashed records, cementing its status as a numismatic king.
Each price leap fuels the hype. Experts predict it could hit $10 million in a future sale if trends hold.
How to Spot This Elusive Gem
Think you could find this treasure? Start with the date—1873—and look for the “CC” mint mark under the wreath on the reverse.
The dealbreaker? No arrows by the date. If arrows are there, it’s the With Arrows version—valuable, but not the $6.5 million jackpot.
Key Features to Check
The obverse shows Liberty with her staff and shield, exuding dignity. The reverse’s wreath and CC mark are your big clues—study them closely.
Weigh it—2.48 grams means No Arrows; 2.5 grams means With Arrows. A precise scale could be your ticket to riches.
Beware of Counterfeits
With millions at stake, fakes are everywhere—some so good they fool seasoned eyes. Always authenticate with PCGS or NGC; don’t trust a gut feeling.
Real dimes are 90% silver—test the metal content. Fakes might look right but won’t weigh or sound the same.
Tools for the Treasure Hunt
A loupe magnifies tiny details—arrows or not, it’s in the fine print. A digital scale confirms weight; don’t skip this crucial step.
Professional grading is non-negotiable. Experts spot flaws and fakes you’d miss, saving you from a costly error.
Where to Look
Coin shops, estate sales, or grandma’s old jar—rare coins turn up in odd places. The 1873-CC No Arrows is a long shot, but stranger finds have happened.
Keep checking pocket change or flea markets. Lightning might strike, and you’d be holding history.
The With Arrows Companion
The With Arrows 1873-CC dime isn’t as rare—18,971 were minted after the Coinage Act. They hit circulation hard, getting worn in saloons and shops.
In MS-65, they can pull $50,000 to $100,000—not millions, but a hefty sum. Two known pristine examples keep collectors buzzing.
A Coin That Worked Hard
Unlike the No Arrows, these dimes lived rough—passed hand to hand in the Wild West. Worn survivors tell stories of dusty trails and frontier towns.
Their higher survival rate—dozens exist—makes them less scarce, but the CC mark keeps them hot in the market.
Condition is Everything
For both varieties, grade rules—MS-65 means big money. A beat-up With Arrows might fetch $50, while a gem could buy a fancy car.
Get it certified by pros. That grading report is the difference between a pocket change and a windfall.
Market Moves
The With Arrows dime’s value climbs with collector demand—rarity shifts over time. Recent auctions show steady gains, hinting at future spikes.
The No Arrows is untouchable, but its sibling still draws eyes. Smart collectors watch for undervalued gems.
Comparing the Two
The No Arrows is a singular star—one survivor, endless hype. The With Arrows is its scrappy cousin—more common but still a prize.
Both carry the CC mystique. Knowing the difference could turn a casual find into a life-changer.
The Human Heart of the Coin
This dime isn’t just silver—it’s a time machine to 1873 Carson City. Picture mint workers toiling, unaware they were crafting a future fortune.
Then there’s the collector who snagged it for $170 in 1878—did he sense its destiny? These lives make the coin feel alive.
The Collector’s Passion
I’ve met coin hunters who’d trade anything for this dime—it’s their obsession. One guy told me he checks every dime, dreaming of that CC mark.
It’s not just money; it’s owning a piece no one else can. That thrill keeps the hunt burning bright.
The Fantasy Find
Who hasn’t imagined finding a fortune in loose change? The 1873-CC No Arrows is the ultimate “what if”—a dusty tin could hide it.
Old collections, pawn shops, or attic boxes—treasures out there. One lucky soul might still claim the prize.
A Personal Connection
My dad loved coins, and I’d dig through his jars as a kid, hoping for a rare one. Never found a 1873-CC, but the excitement stuck with me.
This dime’s story grabs me—history, chance, and value in one. That’s why I’m sharing it with you now.
The Emotional Pull
Every collector has a story—maybe it’s a coin from a grandparent or a find at a flea market. The 1873-CC dime taps into that universal spark.
It’s not just about millions; it’s about holding history. That’s what makes this coin unforgettable.
The Community of Hunters
Coin collecting isn’t solo—it’s a tribe of dreamers swapping tales and tips. At shows, you’ll hear whispers about the 1873-CC like it’s a myth.
That camaraderie fuels the chase. This dime’s legend binds collectors across generations.
Table: 1873-CC Liberty Dime Variants
| Type | Mintage | Survivors | Weight | Top Value (MS-65) | Identifier |
| No Arrows | 12,400 | 1 | 2.48g | $6.5M | No arrows by date |
| With Arrows | 18,971 | ~50+ | 2.5g | $100K | Arrows by date |
Short FAQs
Q: What makes the No Arrows dime so rare?
A: Only one exists—pure scarcity.
Q: How much is a With Arrows dime worth?
A: Up to $100K if pristine.
Q: Where’s the Carson City mark?
A: Below the wreath—CC.
Q: Can I find one in exchange?
A: Unlikely, but always check!