1853 10C Arrows MS65 认证号11377541, PCGS号4603

1853 10C Arrows MS65. A Gem example of this silver type, only minted during the years 1853-55 due to the revaluation of silver as a result of the immense hoards of newfound California gold. In the early 1850s, with an excessive quantity of gold in the financial markets, the value of silver increased to the point that the metal value of silver coins was greater than the face value. This led to hoarding and mass melting of these coins. To resolve the problem, legislation was passed by Congress to reduce the weight of the half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. When the weight of silver coins was reduced in 1853, it was designated by small arrowheads placed on either side of the date to alert the general populace of this weight reduction. This caused two things to occur: first, the old (heavier) coins were widely melted, and second, the new (lighter) coins were saved in relatively large numbers because of the noticeable design alteration. This piece is a superior Gem example of this popular and short-lived, first-year Arrows design. The surfaces are smooth, the strike is razor sharp, and the devices are sharply impressed throughout. There are no significant abrasions, and the luster is thick but slightly subdued under the patina. The surfaces are bursting with a swirling mixture of orange-gold, turquiose and pale lavender toning that permeates both sides and is well balanced on each side, and highlights the central devices with peripheral halos of color. Even though a few dozen Arrows dimes have been certified by the major grading services at higher levels, it would be hard to surpass the eye appeal of this outstanding type coin. This is a simply gorgeous Gem that will endear itself to anyone who appreciates colorful, originally toned coins. Although a high mintage issue, the Arrows, Stars Obverse was only coined for three years, and examples of this exceptional quality remain scarce.

Ron Guth

In 1853, the weight of the Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarter Dollars and Half Dollars was reduced to reflect a rise in the price of silver.  The older coins were already being destroyed in large quantities because their intrinsic value exceeded their face value.  To differentiate the new coins from the old, the Mint placed arrowheads on either side of the date.  This did two things: it made it easy to identify the older coins with just a glance; and it also protected the newer coins from being melted, since they were immediately identifiable as the lower-weight coins.

The mintage of the new 1853 "With Arrows" Dimes was huge (the mintage of 12 million plus coins was at least six times that of any previous mintage of a U.S. Dime).  Presumably, the Mint achieved this milestone by converting old coins to new as fast as it could.

Because of the high mintage, the 1853 Dime with Arrows is a common coin in virtually all grades, especially up through MS-64.  Gems are slightly scarcer, but still obtainable, and it is only in MS-67 and MS-68 that this date becomes a condition rarity.  However, demand from type collectors keeps the price of this issue higher than it would be under normal circumstances.

The finest example certified by PCGS (as of April 2012) is a wonderful MS-68 that features vivid luster and intense toning on both sides (see the image of this remarkable coin above).