Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1873-1874
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.50 grams
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 6,041,608

In 1873 the authorized weight of the dime was raised slightly from 38.4 grains to 38.58 grains, the latter figure precisely equaling 2.50 grams. To signify the change, small arrowheads were placed to the left and the right of the date on the dime (and also the quarter and half dollar). Dimes minted in 1873 before the change was made are without arrows. The with-arrows format was employed in the latter part of 1873 as well as all of 1874. After that time the weight remained the same, but the arrows were discontinued. The design otherwise remains the same, with Liberty seated on the obverse and a wreath motif on the reverse.

Sufficient quantities of business strikes were made that the numismatist should encounter no problem finding coins in any desired grade from Good through Extremely Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are elusive, and superb Uncirculated coins are even more difficult to locate. Survivors of the Proof mintage, totaling 1,500 coins for the two years, can be found, although superb pieces are rare. Within the business strike mintage there are two scarce varieties, the Carson City issues: 1873-CC and 1874-CC.

Further Reading

Arrows were again added by the date in 1873-74, this time to signify a slight increase in weight from 2.49 grams to 2.50 grams. These are readily available as types, with Philadelphia issues being those usually seen. The Carson City issues of this type are quite rare and command five-figure prices even in higher circulated grades.  Uncirculated specimens are major rarities.