Numismatic

1853 Liberty Seated Half Dollar w/Arrows & Rays XF

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In 1853, the Philadelphia Mint produced a highly distinctive variety of the Liberty Seated half dollar. This silver coin, containing 0.3599 troy ounces of pure precious metal, is instantly recognizable due to a design element that would never appear on this denomination again. While the obverse retains the classic seated figure of Liberty above the date, the reverse features a striking array of rays surrounding the central eagle. This specific combination of arrows at the date on the obverse and rays on the reverse was struck exclusively in 1853, making it a singular design type in the entire Liberty Seated series. Out of a mintage of 3,532,708 pieces, this specimen survived in Extremely Fine condition. It displays the honest wear of light circulation, yet it retains strong, clear details that allow observers to fully appreciate this brief and beautiful moment in United States coinage history.