Expert: Bruce Goldstein - 10/24/2008

Question
Hi Bruce,
I am a novice coin collector.  I have many old coins I have collected over the years and have had some left to me by a relative.  Just recently I was going through a shoebox of old coins and found what I believe is an 1873 cc dime with no arrows at the date.  The coin is worn, however, you can read the date and the top half of the mint mark.  I have done some research on the internet and am sure that the coin is valuable.  I would appreciate any feedback you may have with regards to the chances that I have one of these unique coins in my possession and what it could possibly be worth in this worn condition.
Thank you for you time.
Joanne M.

Answer
It is unlikely that the coin is real or perhaps it has been altered.  There is only one real one known.  If you feel strongly that this might be real, then you will need to submit it to one of the grading services for authentication.  You can go to a local coin dealer to help you with this effort.