1873 No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime (Closed 3) Value & Price Guide

The Coinage Act of February 12, 1873 changed the weight of the dime from 2.49 grams to 2.50 grams. It was a trivial adjustment, barely perceptible. But to distinguish the new-weight coins from the old, the Mint added small arrows flanking the date on all dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted after the change. Any 1873-dated dime without arrows was struck before February 12, making the 1873 No Arrows dime a coin with a built-in deadline. The "Closed 3" variety, where the top and bottom of the numeral 3 nearly touch, adds another layer of collectibility to an already interesting date.

Quick Value Summary

Detail	Info
Item	1873 Seated Liberty Dime, No Arrows, Closed 3
Year	1873
Denomination	One Dime (10 cents)
Mint	Philadelphia
Category	Coins
Good (G-4)	$20 - $35
Fine (F-12)	$40 - $70
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$100 - $175
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$200 - $400
Mint State (MS-63)	$500 - $900
Gem Mint State (MS-65)	$1,500 - $3,000+
Mintage	1,568,000 (total 1873 No Arrows)

The Story

The year 1873 was pivotal in American monetary history. The Coinage Act of 1873, sometimes called "The Crime of '73" by silver advocates, ended the free coinage of silver and effectively placed the United States on the gold standard. Among its many provisions was a minor adjustment to the weight of subsidiary silver coins. The dime went from 2.49 grams to 2.50 grams, the quarter from 6.22 to 6.25 grams, and the half dollar from 12.44 to 12.50 grams.

To mark the change, Mint Engraver William Barber added small arrowheads flanking the date on all new-weight coins. Dimes struck before the Act's effective date carry no arrows and the original weight. The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,568,000 dimes without arrows before the change took effect.

The "Closed 3" refers to the style of the numeral 3 in the date. In the Closed 3 variety, the top and bottom knobs of the 3 curve inward, nearly meeting. An "Open 3" variety, where the knobs are more widely separated, also exists. The Closed 3 is the more common variety for the No Arrows type, while the Open 3 is associated with the With Arrows type.

The San Francisco and Carson City mints also struck 1873 dimes without arrows. The Carson City version (1873-CC No Arrows) is a major rarity with only one confirmed survivor, making it one of the most valuable dimes in existence (valued at over $1 million). The San Francisco version (1873-S No Arrows) is similarly rare, with the entire mintage reportedly melted.

How to Identify It

• Obverse: Seated Liberty facing left, holding a pole with a liberty cap. Thirteen stars around the border. Shield at Liberty's side. Date "1873" below with the Closed 3 style.

• Reverse: Wreath enclosing "ONE DIME." "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border.

• No Arrows: The key identifier. The date should NOT have small arrowheads flanking it.

• Closed 3: The top and bottom curves of the "3" nearly close, forming a tighter shape.

• Diameter: 17.9mm

• Weight: 2.49 grams (pre-Act weight)

• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Closed 3 vs. Open 3

The distinction is visible under magnification. In the Closed 3, the upper and lower terminals of the "3" curve toward the center. In the Open 3, they extend outward. This is a die variety, not a separate issue, but collectors do differentiate them.

Value by Condition

Good (G-4)

Liberty is outlined but most detail is worn away. Shield and stars are flat. "LIBERTY" on shield is not readable. G-4 copies sell for $20 to $35. At this grade, the coin is primarily a type coin.

Fine (F-12)

Some gown detail visible. "LIBERTY" on the shield is complete but worn. Stars show some flatness. Fine examples sell for $40 to $70.

Extremely Fine (EF-40)

All major design elements clear. Light wear on Liberty's knee, breast, and hair. Reverse wreath shows full detail. EF copies trade for $100 to $175.

About Uncirculated (AU-50)

Trace wear on the highest points only. Original luster visible in protected areas. AU copies sell for $200 to $400.

Mint State (MS-63)

No wear, with attractive luster and minimal contact marks. MS-63 examples command $500 to $900. Choice uncirculated examples are scarce because most dimes saw heavy circulation.

Gem Mint State (MS-65)

Full, undisturbed luster with minimal marks. Exceptional eye appeal. Gem examples sell for $1,500 to $3,000 or more. True gems are rare for any Seated Liberty dime.

Related Rarities

Coin	Mintage	Estimated Value (VF)
1873 No Arrows (Philadelphia, Closed 3)	1,568,000	$40 - $70
1873 With Arrows (Philadelphia)	2,378,500	$20 - $40
1873-CC No Arrows (Carson City)	12,400 (nearly all melted)	$1,000,000+ (1 known)
1873-S No Arrows (San Francisco)	5,000 (all believed melted)	Priceless if found

Authentication

• PCGS and NGC certification is recommended for any example worth $100+.

• Weight verification: 2.49 grams for No Arrows vs. 2.50 grams for With Arrows. A precision scale can help distinguish them.

• Arrow check: Examine the area flanking the date carefully under magnification. Any trace of arrows means it's the With Arrows variety.

• Counterfeits: Cast counterfeits of Seated Liberty dimes exist but are typically crude. Die-struck fakes are uncommon for this specific variety.

Where to Sell

• Heritage Auctions: Best for certified coins, especially MS-63 and above.

• Great Collections: Online platform for certified US coins.

• eBay: Active market for Seated Liberty dimes at all grades. 13% total fees.

• Local coin dealers: Quick sales at 60-80% of retail.

Not sure what you have? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for identification help.

Explore More

The 1873 No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime is a coin that freezes a specific moment in time: the weeks before the Coinage Act of 1873 changed American money forever.

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