This is a tantalizing example of a very popular subtype in the Liberty Seated quarter dollar series. Most collectors will never even think about owning an example of the elusive 1873-CC Without Arrows quarter dollar, of which only five specimens are known. That means that for the 1873 slot in a set of Carson City quarter dollars, the With Arrows subtype provides the obvious solution to filling the slot for this year. Even this option, though, presents challenges, since probably no more than about 60 examples of the 1873-CC With Arrows quarter dollar survive in all grades; many of the pieces display impairments that disqualify them from receiving legitimate numeric grades from the major third-party certification services.

The piece offered here checks all the boxes of desirability for which one could wish considering the grade. The details on all the raised devices meet (if not exceed) the standards for the Fine-12 rating. Both sides display smooth and evenly worn surfaces with no gouges, cuts, scrapes, or stains that lessen the eye appeal in any way. Light scratches dart across sections on the obverse and on the reverse’s bottom-half side; none of these are distractive. All the letters in LIBERTY are clearly visible on the obverse’s shield. On the reverse, all letters in the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, show plainly, although some lightness in a few letters must be noted. Both sides feature bold rims.

This coin’s color presents itself splendidly considering the lengthy time this piece spent in circulation. The obverse displays a light granite-gray hue. The reverse shows a bit more warmer sandstone shade blended with a slight reddish blush.

Specimens of this subtype are rarely available with the numerous positive characteristics that define this PCGS F-12, CAC-approved piece.