Mintage: 1,770,000                                                                     

Reverse Die and Mintmark Position Comparison Guide

Scarcity: A common date in lower grades up through VF, but becomes scarce in EF or better.  Mint State examples can 
be located with some searching.

Updated Greer Rarity Ratings
Overall Rarity: G-VG R1, F-VF R2+, EF-AU R4-, MS R4+

                                Fortin Variety Rarity Estimates In VF - Mint State

Comments: Once again, both the date and arrows were placed on the master hub for 1854 dimes resulting in a 
consistent placement of these devices on the obverse die.  Variations in the strength of the date hubbing of the  
working dies produced strong and weak dates.  Strong dates are noted as "Closed 54", where the lower right loop 
of the 5 digit and the left end of the horizontal segment of the 4 digit are joined by raised metal.  Weak dates 
have a distinct gap between the 5 and 4 digits in the date and will are designated as "Open 54".  Obverse die 
degradation was a problem for 1854-O dimes.  Numerous surviving examples are found with varying occurrences 
of die cracks including the terminal die state of the Shattered Obverse (Variety 102).  Obverse die cracking 
was previously noted as being a problem with Philadelphia struck dimes.  Was the working die steel weak or did 
the mints in both New Orleans and Philadelphia attempt to extend the life of these working die once cracking was 
evident?  Reverse die cracking is seen, however no spectacular shattered reverse dies have been located to date.
  
                               Value As A Date (Coin World Trends/CoinValues

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