COIN WORLD DECLARES IT - ONLY ONE 1873-CC NO ARROWS DIME EXTANT

As you can see, in its August 18th edition, Coin World graciously retracted the incorrect information it reported about two 1873-CC No Arrows dimes surviving. To its credit, Coin World only published what PCGS reported in its Population Report.




We know that population totals listed in grading service records aren't always accurate, and certainly this is easily forgiven in regards to coins with larger surviving quantities. But in the case of a Unique coin like the '73-CC No Arrows dime, it's essential that population statistics remain 100% accurate. It would be like ESPN all of a sudden reporting that there were two Michael Phelpses at the Olympics. Imagine the confusion this would cause?


In all honesty, there's a greater chance that there's more than one '73-CC No Arrows dime on the planet than there is that a clone of Michael Phelps exists somewhere. But if and when a second '73-CC No Arrows surfaces, let's hope the numismatic press gives it at least as much coverage as it does the discovery of another 1943-S copper penny. I mean, come on now, which is the rarer coin and the one worthy of a front-page headline?

1873-CC WITHOUT ARROWS DIME...2 SURVIVORS...HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Is there any way to clear up the 1873-CC Without Arrows dime controversy? In the latest issue of Coin Values Oct. 2008 issue, which accompanies the Coin World Aug. 4, 2008 issue, there is an article (page 30) by Al Doyle (who I had the pleasure of meeting at our club meeting in Baltimore) entitled "Heading West." On page 32 of that article, Al shows a picture of the 1873-CC Without Arrows dime and states..."of which only 2 examples survive." Later in that article on page 32, Al states, "Low mintages, heavy circulation and a few meltings are the factors that have turned CC products such as the 1873-CC Seated Liberty, No Arrows dime (original mintage listed at 12, 400, with all but two presumed melted), the 1876-CC Seated Liberty 20-cent piece.....etc." I presume that the writers in these modern day coin publications are knowledgeable about coins, so why then is this in print? I will offer an apology if it turns out that yes, there indeed is a 2nd 1873-CC Without Arrows dime that somehow survived. Can this be cleared up once and for all?