Numismatic

1853-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar w/Arrows & Rays VG

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In 1853, the New Orleans Mint produced a distinctive variation of the Liberty Seated half dollar. This silver coin, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of 90 percent pure silver, is instantly recognizable due to the specific design elements added for this year, notably the arrows alongside the date and the rays surrounding the reverse design. Out of a mintage of 5,240,000, surviving examples in Very Good condition offer a fascinating look at mid nineteenth century American coinage. The obverse displays the figure of Liberty seated, holding a pole topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests on a shield. The word LIBERTY is inscribed across the shield, with the year 1853 flanked by arrows at the bottom. Christian Gobrecht designed this classic imagery, which is framed by stars along the upper rim. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted perched upon a branch while clutching three arrows. A shield is positioned across the eagle's chest, surrounded by rays that spread outward toward the rim. The inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOL. This particular issue is notable for its complete rim on the reverse side, preserving the boundary of this intricate design.