1874 Liberty Seated Dime. Arrows. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC. Exceptional vivid multicolored toning is seen on both sides of this lovely coin. Shades of blue, red, gold and pink provide outstanding visual appeal. Here is a frosty, sharply struck and expertly preserved Superb Gem that would do justice to the finest type set or Liberty Seated dime collection.One of the provisions of the Coinage Act of February 12, 1873 -- often called the "Crime of 73" -- was to increase the weight of the dime, quarter, and half dollar by a minuscule amount to bring them closer to the Latin Monetary Union in Europe. For the dime, this meant that the weight increased from 2.49 grams to 2.50 grams, an almost negligible change that would last until the cessation of circulating silver coins in 1964. The new coins were introduced later in 1873 and as in 1853, arrows were placed on either side of the date to indicate the heavier coins. The arrows were hand punched into each die, creating a wide variety of positional varieties, and some dies were so heavily polished that the arrows nearly disappear on some specimens. After less than two years the arrows were removed in 1874, creating a short-lived type. The 1874 Arrows dime is in constant demand by type coin specialists who seek examples to mark the design. Superb Gem Mint State examples of any Liberty Seated dime are notable, but are particularly challenging among 1874 dimes. The Superb Gem offered here ranks among the finest certified for both the type and issue, and will make a very appealing addition to a world class cabinet. From the D. Brent Pogue Collection.
