Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1853-1855
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.49 grams (38.42 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 21,493,010
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 150

As a counter to widespread hoarding of silver coins in the early 1850s, when the silver in a dime (and other denominations) became worth more than the face value, the weight of a dime was reduced from 41.25 grains to 38.4 grains. To signify this change, tiny arrowheads were placed to the left and the right of the date. Otherwise, the Liberty Seated design remains the same as used from 1838 through early 1853. Large quantities were produced of the 1853 with arrows Philadelphia Mint issues; a coinage in excess of 12 million. Lesser quantities were made of other issues, Philadelphia and San Francisco pieces, through 1855.

The type set collector can easily acquire a specimen of this issue in any desired grade from Good through Extremely Fine or AU. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and superb Uncirculated coins are quite difficult to find.

Further Reading

Dimes of the 1853-1855 years are seen with arrows flanking the date to signify a reduction in weight from 2.67 grams to 2.49 grams.  While relatively plentiful as a type, they are in strong demand for inclusion in type sets. Most often seen is the 1853 Philadelphia issue.