1853 10C Arrows MS68 PCGS. CAC. Fortin-118....

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Extraordinary 1853 Arrows Dime, MS68
A Gorgeously Toned Example
Sole MS68 With CAC Approval

1853 10C Arrows MS68 PCGS. CAC. Fortin-118. This is a beautiful coin. Anyone who views this Superb Gem cannot help but be captivated by the original, multicolored toning. An explosion of blue-gray, champagne-russet, and golden-orange appears on the obverse. The reverse is a bit less vibrant, showing lilac-gray patina and scattered electric-blue rim highlights. The obverse is heavily striated (as made). The reverse displays a few die cracks around the wreath (also as struck), but neither side reveals even the most trivial post-production distraction. A razor-sharp specimen, a coin sure to find a place of honor in a type set that highlights unsurpassable quality. Certified in a green-label holder with green CAC approval sticker.

Variety: Fortin-118. Gerry Fortin records 25 varieties of 1853 With Arrows dimes at www.SeatedDimeVarieties.com. This indispensable website provides incredible detail about the series.

Population Data (7/14): PCGS has certified three MS68 and one MS68+. NGC adds four more MS68 and records one piece graded an amazing MS69. This is the sole MS68 at CAC with the green approval sticker.

Heritage Commentary: Two distinct types of Seated dimes were produced in 1853: those without arrows flanking the date, and those with arrows. Examples of the latter type were produced to the new weight standard of 2.49 grams, as specified by the Mint Act of February 21, 1853. The 1853 Arrows dimes, struck to the extent of 12 million pieces, are anything but rare, and even collectors of modest means will have little difficulty obtaining a representative in grades up to and including MS64. Gems are also relatively obtainable, but pressure from high-grade type collectors results in strong auction performances for MS65 and MS66 specimens. Only in the Superb Gem grade range can the 1853 Arrows be called rare.

Consignor Commentary: A very common coin, in fact at R.2 one of the most common in the entire series. It is not particularly scarce in Gem Mint State with PCGS having graded four in MS68, while NGC has also graded four in MS68 with one MS69 even finer. However, trying to come up with the correct variety looked so daunting that I almost gave up before I started. Fortin has identified 25 different die pairings, many with very subtle distinctions. It was only when I noticed that only one die pair (Fortin-118) had heavy die lines across Liberty's midsection that I realized the task was going to be much easier than I thought. And if the comments Gerry makes about the variety in his book still hold true, this coin would be far and away the finest known of the variety. There is only one distinguishing die break worthy of mention. On the reverse, the base of the E in STATES is diagonally connected to the top of both wreath ends. A beauty fully deserving of its lofty grade.

Provenance: Long Beach Signature Sale (10/2001), lot 5954; purchased from Joseph O'Connor (8/2002). (Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2398, PCGS# 4603, Greysheet# 4045)

Weight: 2.49 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS