1853 10C No Arrows MS(PCGS#4599)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1524

Grade

MS66

Price

6,405

Lot Description

This is a scarce issue in all grades as only 95,000 pieces were minted and many were melted during the era of high silver prices brought on by the California Gold Rush. This exquisite Gem is dressed in full frosty luster that is brilliant apart from delicate champagne-pink highlights. Both sides are equally full in strike and expertly preserved in all regards. According to Kamal M. Ahwash in the classic 1977 reference <em>Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Dimes: 1837-1891</em>, the mintage of this issue comprised just two deliveries: 55,000 pieces on February 17 and 40,000 coins on February 19. Just two days after the second delivery, the Act of February 21, 1853, reduced the weight of the dime from 2.67 grams to 2.49 grams so that the face value exceeded the bullion value and the coins could once again circulate freely. The new reduced-weight examples of 1853 (and 1854 to 1855, as well) are distinguished by arrows flanking the date on the obverse. Most of the few Mint State 1853 No Arrows dimes that survived owe their existence to Harold P. Newlin, who preserved a small batch of these coins sometime prior to 1883. This is a key date issue that is eagerly sought by Liberty Seated dime specialists and those with an interest in the coinage of 1853.