Have you ever imagined finding a tiny coin worth millions of dollars? That’s exactly what some coin collectors dream of. One such coin, the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime without arrows, is known as the rarest American dime ever made. Only one real example exists, and its story is just as fascinating as its price.
Let’s explore the history, mystery, and excitement surrounding this small but priceless piece of American history.
What Is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime?
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime was made in Carson City, Nevada, at a time when the Wild West was still real. On March 3, 1873, the mint made 12,400 dimes without arrows on their date. These coins looked like regular dimes, but they were part of a special short run made just before the U.S. changed the dime’s weight.
Soon after, the Coinage Act of 1873 came into effect. It slightly increased the weight of silver coins, and to show the change, new dimes were made with small arrows next to the date. This made the older “no arrows” version instantly outdated.
Why Is This Coin So Rare?
After the law changed, most of the no-arrow dimes were melted down and turned into the newer ones with arrows. Experts believe only one of the original coins survived. It probably came from a group of five coins that were sent to Philadelphia for testing.
The fact that there is only one confirmed coin makes it rarer than almost any other coin in U.S. history, including the 1804 Silver Dollar and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
A Close Call: Michael Thompson’s Exciting Discovery
Michael Thompson, a long-time coin collector, once thought he had found this rare dime at a Nevada estate sale. He bought a leather pouch with some old coins for $45 and found what looked like the famous 1873-CC dime.
However, after expert review, he discovered that his coin was a fake, made from a common dime modified by a counterfeiter. Even though his discovery wasn’t the real thing, the experience made him even more interested in the true story of the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime.
A Journey Through Time: The Coin’s Amazing History
The first time this coin was seen in public was in 1878, in an auction where it sold for just 17 cents—barely more than its face value!
As time passed, its value grew:
- In 1915, it sold for $170
- In 1950, collector Louis Eliasberg finally bought it for $4,000
- In 1996, it sold for $550,000
- By 2012, it had reached an incredible $1.84 million
Experts now believe that if this coin goes to auction again, it could sell for up to $300 million.
The Legendary Louis Eliasberg and His Coin Collection
Louis Eliasberg is famous for being the only person in history to own every U.S. coin ever made, by date and mint. The 1873-CC No Arrows dime was the last coin he needed to complete his collection.
Even though he was outbid at the auction, the winning buyers respected Eliasberg’s passion so much that they sold it to him privately for the same price they paid. This allowed Eliasberg to reach an amazing goal no one else has achieved.
Could There Be Another One Out There?
It’s possible—but extremely unlikely—that another 1873-CC dime without arrows still exists somewhere.
Out of the original 12,400 coins, we only know of one surviving example. Most were destroyed, but coin experts still believe that another could be hiding in an old collection, waiting to be found.
That’s why collectors like Michael Thompson keep searching estate sales, flea markets, and old coin jars. They’re hoping to beat the odds and discover the second one.
Fake Coins and Clever Counterfeits
Because the 1873-CC No Arrows dime is so valuable, it has attracted many forgers. Some people try to trick others by changing more common dimes to make them look like this rare version.
Experts use powerful tools and microscopic details to spot fakes. If someone finds a dime they think might be the real deal, they should always get it checked by a professional coin grading service.
Why This Coin Is More Than Just Money
For collectors, this coin is about more than just wealth. It represents history, mystery, and pride. Owning it means holding a one-of-a-kind item from America’s past. There’s something magical about owning something no one else in the world has.
It also shows how one tiny object can have a huge impact on people, from serious collectors to casual hobbyists.
The Future of the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime
Experts say the coin’s value will likely keep increasing. It could reach over $10 million the next time it’s sold—or even more. That makes it a dream piece for collectors who want the ultimate coin trophy.
Until then, it remains with its current (anonymous) owner. But when it finally comes up for sale again, the whole coin world will be watching.
One Dime, Endless Dreams
The story of the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime shows how something so small can carry huge historical importance. With only one known example, it has become a legend among collectors. From its mysterious survival to record-breaking auction prices, this coin has captured imaginations for over 150 years.
Even though the chance of finding another one is almost zero, collectors still dream. Because in the world of coin collecting, hope, history, and heart are often more valuable than silver itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime?
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is an extremely rare American coin that was minted in Carson City, Nevada, in 1873. It’s known for its unique “no arrows” design next to the date.
Why is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime so rare?
The rarity of this dime comes from its short production run. Only 12,400 of these dimes were minted, but most were melted down shortly after the new Coinage Act of 1873 required the coins to be redesigned with arrows next to the date to mark a weight increase.
How much is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime worth?
The value of the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime has skyrocketed over the years. It has sold for as much as $1.84 million in 2012, and experts believe it could be worth as much as $300 million if it were to be sold today.
Why did the 1873-CC dimes get melted down?
Shortly after the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dimes were minted, the Coinage Act of 1873 required a change in the weight of silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars. To mark this change, new dimes were made with arrows next to the date.
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