Are you holding onto a small, dusty coin that’s been in the family forever? What if I told you it might be worth more than your car—or even your college tuition? Yep, I’m talking about the legendary 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime. Let’s take a deep dive into why this little silver disc has collectors emptying their wallets.
What Is the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime?
The 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime is a U.S. ten-cent piece struck in Carson City, Nevada, back in—you guessed it—1874. It’s part of the “Liberty Seated” series, which ran from 1837 to 1891.
The Liberty Seated Design
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, Lady Liberty is shown seated on a rock, holding a shield and a liberty pole. Sounds elegant, right? But here’s what makes this one different…
The “CC” Mint Mark
That tiny “CC” beneath the wreath on the reverse? That stands for Carson City Mint. This mint only operated between 1870 and 1893 and produced far fewer coins than mints like Philadelphia or New York. Fewer coins = rarer coins.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Now, let’s get to the juicy part—why on earth is this dime possibly worth $100,000?
Low Mintage Numbers
Only about 10,817 of these coins were ever struck. That’s peanuts compared to other coin issues from the same era.
Condition Matters: The Mint State Premium
Out of those 10,817 coins, only a handful survived in decent condition. And if you’re lucky enough to have one in “Mint State” (meaning it’s barely been touched), you could be looking at a six-figure payday.
High Demand from Collectors
Coin collectors—especially those chasing the Liberty Seated series—are obsessed with completing their sets. And the 1874-CC dime is one of the trickiest to track down.
History Behind the Coin
Carson City was a bustling Wild West town during the silver boom. The mint was built to handle the silver flowing in from the Comstock Lode. It’s kind of poetic that a coin from a mining town is now considered treasure itself.
Key Features of the 1874-CC Dime
Let’s talk details. What exactly should you look for?
Obverse (Front)
- Lady Liberty seated on a rock
- Holding a pole topped with a Phrygian cap
- Shield with “Liberty” inscription
- Dated “1874”
Reverse (Back)
- Wreath surrounding “One Dime”
- Tiny “CC” mint mark just below the wreath
The Arrows by the Date: What Do They Mean?
Here’s a cool feature: if you look closely on either side of the date, you might see small arrows. These were added to indicate a change in the weight of the coin that year. Coins with these arrows are often even more valuable!
Grading the Coin: How Value is Determined
A coin’s grade is like its report card. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn | $1,500–$2,000 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear | $5,000–$7,000 |
| AU-50 (Almost Uncirculated) | Light wear | $20,000–$35,000 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | No wear, pristine | $80,000–$100,000+ |
These are ballpark figures, but you get the idea. Condition is king!
How to Tell If You Have a Genuine One
Let’s face it—there are fakes out there. But don’t worry, you can spot the real deal if you know what to look for.
1. Check for the CC Mint Mark
The location and style of the mint mark matter. It should be beneath the wreath on the reverse.
2. Look for Weight & Diameter
A legit 1874-CC dime should weigh 2.49 grams and measure 17.9 mm.
3. Die Variations
Experts have identified subtle differences between dies used in Carson City. These can help authenticate your coin.
Got One? Here’s What to Do Next
Found one in an old jar or inherited collection? Don’t go spending it just yet.
Step 1: Don’t Clean It!
Seriously, don’t even wipe it with your shirt. Cleaning a rare coin can tank its value.
Step 2: Get It Graded
Submit it to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC. Their certification adds credibility—and value.
Step 3: Store It Safely
Protect it in a coin holder or capsule. A safe deposit box wouldn’t hurt either.
Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
- The Carson City Mint building is now the Nevada State Museum.
- Liberty Seated dimes with arrows only appeared in 1853, 1873, and 1874.
- There are less than 10 known Mint State 1874-CC dimes in existence!
Where Can You Buy or Sell One?
Looking to buy or sell? Here are a few options:
Auction Houses
Big-name auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers frequently list high-grade coins.
Coin Shows & Dealers
Attend regional coin shows or visit certified numismatic dealers.
Online Platforms
Sites like eBay, but make sure the coin is graded and authenticated—or you’re risking a pricey mistake.
Comparing with Other Rare Dimes
Here’s how the 1874-CC stacks up:
| Coin | Mintage | Approx. Top Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime | 10,817 | $100,000+ |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 24 | $1.5M+ |
| 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime | 20,100 | $75,000+ |
While not as rare as the 1894-S, it’s still one of the crown jewels of 19th-century dimes.
Investment Potential
You might be wondering—should I invest in rare coins?
Well, the 1874-CC dime has appreciated steadily over the decades. It’s not just a collector’s gem; it’s a smart asset (if bought right). Like fine art, rarity plus condition equals value over time.
Real-Life Sales That’ll Blow Your Mind
Here are a few jaw-dropping sales:
- One graded MS-63 sold for over $90,000 at auction.
- A lower-grade (but still very fine) one fetched $30,000 in 2020.
- Private collectors often make quiet six-figure deals outside the spotlight.
Final Word: Is It Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. If you stumble upon a 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime, you’re not just holding a coin—you’re holding a slice of American history that could literally change your bank account.
Whether you’re a coin geek or just stumbled onto grandma’s old change purse, this dime is the kind of find that makes headlines.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime isn’t just another dusty old coin. It’s a rare relic with serious collector clout, historical intrigue, and eye-popping value. With fewer than 11,000 ever made and only a handful surviving in pristine condition, it’s no wonder this tiny ten-cent piece could be worth a staggering $100,000 or more. If you think you might have one hiding in your collection, get it checked out—you might be sitting on a small fortune.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my 1874-CC dime is real?
Check for the “CC” mint mark under the wreath on the back. Make sure it weighs 2.49g and hasn’t been tampered with. Better yet, have it authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
2. What makes the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime so rare?
Its low mintage (just 10,817 coins), combined with the limited output of the Carson City Mint and the rarity of Mint State examples, make it extremely rare.
3. How much is my 1874-CC dime worth?
It depends on the condition. Worn examples may be worth a few thousand, while pristine Mint State ones can fetch $80,000 to $100,000 or more.
4. Is it okay to clean my coin to make it look better?
Nope! Cleaning a rare coin can scratch it or remove its natural patina, slashing its value dramatically.
5. Where’s the best place to sell my 1874-CC dime?
Stick with reputable coin dealers, professional auctions like Heritage, or have it graded and sell it through a trusted platform. Avoid ungraded sales online unless you know the buyer.