1853 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Arrows and Rays - G
Add one of the most distinctive one-year designs in classic U.S. silver coinage to your collection with this 1853 Liberty Seated Half Dollar – Arrows & Rays in Good (G) condition. Struck from 90% silver and 10% copper, the arrows beside the date and rays surrounding the eagle were added in 1853 to signify a reduction in the coin's silver weight.
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse features Liberty seated on a rock beside a Union shield while holding a liberty pole topped with a cap. Two arrows flank the 1853 date, distinguishing this special subtype. The reverse features a heraldic eagle surrounded by dramatic rays, creating a bold design unique to the 1853 Half Dollar. The rays were removed the following year, making the Arrows & Rays design a popular one-year type among collectors.
Graded Good (G), this coin exhibits heavy circulation wear while retaining an identifiable date and major design elements. Liberty, the arrows, eagle, and portions of the distinctive rays remain visible, giving the coin plenty of historic character despite its well-circulated condition.
With its short-lived design and connection to an important change in U.S. silver coinage, the 1853 Arrows & Rays Liberty Seated Half Dollar makes an excellent addition to a U.S. type set or 19th-century silver collection.
Photo Disclaimer: The image shown is a representative stock photo. You will receive an 1853 Liberty Seated Half Dollar – Arrows & Rays – Good (G), but it may not be the exact coin pictured. Each coin will vary in toning, wear, strike quality, surface characteristics, and overall appearance due to its age and natural circulation.
