DIME 1853-1855 Arrows at Date - More Details
As early as 1853, it became well known that the content of silver in a dime was worth more than its face value. As a result, millions of coins were hoarded. Because of this, coins in grades from Good through Extremely Fine or AU are readily available. Hoarding also prompted a decrease in weight from 41.25 grains to 38.4.
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.
Valuation
Despite the massive quantity minted, Uncirculated pieces remain scarce, and superb Uncirculated coins are quite difficult to find.