Numismatic

1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime w/Arrows VF

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In 1853, the United States Mint produced a silver five-cent piece that stands out for its delicate artistry and subtle design variations. This half dime, composed of 90 percent silver, represents a fascinating era of American coinage. It features a design by Christian Gobrecht that captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-nineteenth century, rendered in a compact format containing 0.0387 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of the coin displays a seated figure of Liberty. She holds a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests upon a shield. For this specific year of issue, small arrows were added on either side of the date at the bottom of the coin, creating a distinct visual variety for observers to study. The reverse side simplifies the presentation, focusing on the denomination of the coin surrounded by a detailed, leafy wreath. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, allowing onlookers to appreciate the finer details of Gobrecht's engraving. The legends on the coin, including the country of origin and the denomination, remain clear, making this 1853 half dime an intriguing piece of early American minting history to explore.