DIME 1873-1874 With Arrows - More Details
In 1873 the authorized weight of the dime was raised slightly from 38.4 grains to 38.58 grains, the latter figure precisely equaling 2.50 grams. To signify the change, small arrowheads were placed to the left and the right of the date on the dime. Some dimes were minted in 1873 before the change without-arrows and in the slightly lesser weight. After 1874 the weight remained the same, but the arrows were discontinued. The design otherwise remains the same as the previous style, with Liberty seated on the obverse and a wreath motif on the reverse.
Sufficient quantities of business strikes were made. The numismatist should encounter no problem finding coins in any desired grade from Good through Extremely Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are elusive, and superb Uncirculated coins are even more difficult to locate. Survivors of the Proof mintage, totaling 1,500 coins for the two years, can be found, although superb pieces are rare.