Your Coin Collection Could Hold a $5 Million Treasure – How to Identify the Rare 1873 CC Liberty Seated Dime

Published On: March 19, 2025

Coins have fascinated collectors for centuries, offering glimpses into history, culture, and economics. Among the rarest and most valuable coins is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime, a true numismatic treasure. With only 18,791 pieces ever minted, this coin is so rare that some examples have sold for millions. If you have an old coin collection, you could be sitting on a fortune without even realizing it.

Rarity and Value

The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is incredibly rare due to its limited mintage and historical significance. Here’s what makes it so special:

Feature	Details
Rarity	Only 18,791 were minted, making it one of the scarcest dimes in U.S. history.
Value	A low-grade example is worth around $5,499, while high-grade coins can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Minting Location	Minted in Carson City, Nevada, known for producing rare coins.
Key Design Features	Features arrows flanking the date and a “CC” mint mark, distinguishing it from other dimes.
Professional Grading	An MS65-grade coin can be worth over $500,000.
Collector’s Appeal	Its scarcity and history make it a prized piece among collectors.

Valuable 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime

This dime holds a special place in American numismatics, largely due to its limited production and historical context.

Carson City Mint

The Carson City Mint operated between 1870 and 1893, producing coins in relatively small quantities. Coins from this mint are highly sought after because of their rarity and connection to the Wild West era.

Design Changes

The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is part of a transition period in U.S. coinage. In 1873, arrows were added next to the date to indicate a slight reduction in the coin’s weight. This makes the 1873 version of the dime unique.

Extreme Rarity

With only 18,791 minted and very few surviving in high condition, this dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins. Even well-worn examples can fetch significant amounts at auctions.

How to Identify

If you’re hoping to find this rare dime in your collection, follow these steps:

Check for the “CC” Mint Mark

Look at the reverse side of the coin, just below the wreath. If you see a “CC” mint mark, it means the coin was produced in Carson City, making it a potential jackpot.

Look for Arrows Next to the Date

The obverse side of the coin should have small arrows on either side of the year “1873.” This detail is crucial for distinguishing it from other Liberty Seated Dimes.

Examine the Coin’s Condition

The value of the coin depends heavily on its grade. Coins in better condition fetch higher prices:

Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G4)	$5,499
Very Fine (VF20)	$30,000+
Mint State (MS65)	$500,000+
Top Condition (MS67+)	Up to $5 million

If your coin appears to be in excellent condition, it may be worth getting it professionally graded.

Get a Professional Grading

Organizations like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can authenticate and certify your coin’s condition, giving it a precise value in the market.

Why Is This Coin So Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the astronomical price of this dime:

Extreme Scarcity

With such a low mintage, finding an 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime in any condition is difficult. High-quality specimens are even rarer.

Historical Significance

This coin represents a transitional period in American coinage and the history of the Carson City Mint, adding to its appeal.

Collector Demand

Serious numismatists are always on the hunt for rare pieces, and the 1873-CC dime is one of the most desirable. This strong demand further increases its market value.