Coin Highlights
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Issuer: United States of America
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Date: 1853
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Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
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Denomination: Ten Cents (Dime)
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Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
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Weight: 2.49 g (reduced from 2.67 g in prior years)
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Diameter: 17.9 mm
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Grade: PCGS MS62 (Uncirculated)
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Obverse Design: Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole topped with a Liberty cap; LIBERTY inscribed on her shield; arrowheads placed to the left and right of the date.
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Reverse Design: Wreath encircling the denomination ONE DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding.
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Edge: Reeded
Historical Significance
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The Coinage Act of 1853 reduced the weight of U.S. silver coins to prevent widespread melting as silver prices rose.
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To distinguish the new lighter-weight coins, the Mint added arrowheads at the date and rays around the eagle on quarters (for that year only).
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The “Arrows at Date” design ran from 1853–1855 and is an important subtype in the Seated Liberty dime series.
Collectibility
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The 1853 Arrows dime is a key transitional subtype, collected both by type specialists and full series enthusiasts.
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In MS62, this example offers original surfaces and solid mint-state quality without the high price jump of Gem levels.
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The Trader Bea label adds aesthetic presentation appeal, making this piece attractive both for serious collectors and those who enjoy distinctive PCGS holder varieties.
G-4 Good- LIBERTY on shield not readable. Date and letters legible.
F-12 Fine- LIBERTY visible, weak spots.
VF-20 very Fine- LIBERTY strong and even.
EF-40 Extremely Fine- LIBERTY and scroll edges distinct.
AU-50 About Uncirculated- Wear on Liberty’s shoulder and hair high points.
MS-60 Uncirculated- No trace of wear. Light blemishes.
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- Some distracting contact marks or blemisges in prime focal areas. Impaired luster possible.
